George MacIntyre Talks Future with Vols
By Mark Nagi
Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel produces quality quarterbacks. He did it everywhere he’s been.
Most recently it’s been Hendon Hooker and Joe Milton, both of whom you’ll find on NFL rosters.
So when Heupel offers a scholarship to a signal caller, you know that he expects big things. Brentwood Academy’s George MacIntyre is ready to join Heupel and the Vols in 2025, and fulfill the promise he’s shown as a 5-star prospect.
“Tennessee just felt like home to me, the way they support their quarterbacks,” said MacIntyre. “Coach Heupel, his system… I really like the system. I know I’ll have the same offensive coordinator, I will be under Coach Heupel’s offense the entire time I am there. Here I have had four offensive coordinators in four years. It has been tough. I was definitely looking for some stability in college.”
Speaking of that stability and that system, MacIntyre is excited for the possibilities ahead, and running one of the most dynamic offenses in the sport.
“Efficient. Every play makes sense,” says MacIntyre. “They like to throw it down field. You have to have a run game if you are going to have a pass game. They are very well rounded, and the efficiency is off the charts. Just kind of running their offense. They kind of recruit a prototype to run their offense the best. I don’t think they will hold anything back play call wise. I’m just gonna take it day by day and enjoy it while I am there.
“I think he and Coach Heupel got along really well,” says his father, Matt MacIntyre. “Heupel is a quarterback and has got a little swagger to him. George saw that right-away. Being in state was a big deal to him. Everywhere he goes, people know he is going to Tennessee. I think he really enjoyed the family feel in Knoxville as well… Everyone did a good job of recruiting him. But Tennessee did a little bit better job. I really think it came down to Coach Heupel and his offense as well.”
George MacIntyre isn’t only a football standout. In fact, it wasn’t until his sophomore year that he truly fell in love with the sport of football. Until then, basketball was his favorite.
“He is a competitor. Doesn’t matter what the sport,” said Brentwood Academy head coach Paul Wade. “He is a competitor, hates to lose… probably hates to lose more than he likes winning to be honest. I think that is what separates him from others. Unbelievable skills. Great football IQ. He can throw the football a long way. His competitive nature is second to none.”
“I think I have a competitive edge to definitely match anyone I am playing against,” says MacIntyre. “I think I am prepared usually to go out there and do what I do.”
He’s obviously not afraid of competition. Nico Iamaleava is the current starter, with 4-star Jake Merklinger playing behind him, and 5-star Faizon Brandon already committed for the Class of 2026. But competition should bring out the best in him.
“It’ll be fun to watch him as he grows and excels at that level, having superior athletes around him at every position and see how well he really does play,” said Wade.
Listed at 6’5½” and 190 pounds, MacIntyre will have to bulk up in college, which is not uncommon. He turned down Alabama, Auburn and Clemson amongst others to stay in state.
“I would say the state’s buzz has been great ever since I committed,” said MacIntyre. “Very welcoming and supportive. Lot of orange in the state and I’m glad to be going there.”
