Since Josh Heupel’s first year with Tennessee Football in 2022, he’s had just one recruiting class fall outside the top-15 according to 247sports.
Since Josh Heupel’s first year with Tennessee Football in 2022, he’s had just one recruiting class fall outside the Top 15 according to 247sports.
The Vols last season logged the No. 9-ranked class in the 2026 recruiting cycle, according to 247sports, as they now aim to go even higher in 2027.
Here’s a look at some of the offensive talent on the way:
Standing at 6-foot-5, 342 pounds, Uwaifo is ranked No. 14 in the nation at the offensive tackle position, while ranked fifth in total for the state of Tennessee.
"(Tennessee) just feels comfortable, it kind of feels like home to me every time I'm there," said Uwaifo. "I know it's somewhere I really want to play."
Uwaifo, who committed in November of last season, visited the Vols during their loss to Oklahoma. Despite the loss, the atmosphere brought him into Knoxville, and now he’s in line to join the team next season.
"It was a great atmosphere, like usual," said Uwaifo. "It was loud and exciting. It feels like a really fun place to be at and play. The coaching staff was great. I'm able to see myself there in the future."
Kesean Bowman, Wide Receiver: Fresh off a commitment to the Vols on March 28, 2026, Kesean Bowman stands in the class as the highest-ranked recruit in the 2027 group so far.
Ranked No. 70 in the nation and No. 4 in the state of Tennessee, Bowman hails from Brentwood, yet the recruitment was never a sure thing for the homestate kid.
“Credit Kelsey Pope there,” said Austin Price of ON3, about Bowman’s decision. “He committed to Oregon about a year ago, and Kelsey never flinched. [Bowman] opened things back up. He had been rumored to Vandy and rumored to Miami at different points and times over the last few months. And Kelsey never flinched.”
Standing at 6-0, 175 pounds, Bowman brings speed and acceleration to the table that the Vols offense can be excited about in a few years' time. The Vols are no strangers to deep-treat receivers in the team’s history, as names like Jalin Hyatt, as well as Joshua Palmer, come to mind as comparisons.
Derrick Baker, Quarterback: The Vols' selection of a quarterback for the 2027 class comes out of Alpharetta, Georgia, and is hailed as a late riser in the class.
“And then (Vols OC) Joey Halzle was down there to see him shortly after he got cleared back to start throwing again,” said Price. “Tennessee just kind of stayed on that one. And they’ll have to stay on it because he’s going to start playing more as he gets healthier, and I’m sure others will come back in here trying to flip him. So that’s one that Tennessee will have to stay on top of.”
A 6-2, 220-pound dual-treat quarterback that doesn’t shy from the run, Baker almost missed his entire junior season due to a hand injury, which has resulted in his rating falling to the position it is now.
He stands as a three-star, ranked as the 52nd quarterback in the 2027 class. Yet both Baker and the Vols have found a match in each other.
“Tennessee has always had an edge,” Baker said. “It’s just the relationship with coach Halzle. I’ve been on the phone with him more than anybody else, especially when I was hurt and rehabbing. He was the first coach to come and see me throw when I was cleared and that meant a lot. I just feel like they offer the best development for me and they are a perfect fit.”
It’s a project, and in this day and age, it’s more difficult to see them through, but there is talent to be excited about with Baker.