One of the top high school quarterbacks in the Class of 2026 will be in New Orleans, Louisiana for Nike’s The Next Ones combine during Super Bowl LIX weekend. Grimsley (North Carolina) quarterback Faizon Brandon, who’s given his verbal commitment to the University of Tennessee, will take part in the one-day combine as the Carolina Panthers representative.
The combine features 33 players, showcasing their talents, plus receiving guidance from NFL Legends and elite mentors. At last year’s event in Las Vegas, Pro Football Hall of Fame running back LaDainian Tomlinson and Michael Vick were part of the VIP experience. Each National Football League team, plus Europe’s NFL Academy, selects a high school player, who will take part in the event.
Brandon, a 5-star college football prospect, led Grimsley to last year’s 4A North Carolina state championship. The Whirlies finished No. 34 in the High School Football America 300 national rankings, powered by NFL Play Football.
Last season, Brandon completed 77-percent of his passes (165-of-214) for 2,814 yards with 35 touchdowns against only two touchdowns. For his career, the No. 5 overall college football prospect, according to 247Sports Composite Rankings, has completed over 75-percent of his throws with 79 TDs against only nine picks. He’s also averaged 6.9 yards per carry with 21 rushing scores.
