The Tennessee Volunteers gave their 2027 commit Dayon Cooper quite a show on the Third Saturday in October.
Cooper, a South Pittsburgh (TN) wide receiver who is already pledged to the Vols, was among the many visitors in Knoxville for Tennessee’s matchup with Alabama. He came away impressed by the setting, telling Vols on SI, "The atmosphere was crazy. It was definitely louder than the Texas game earlier this year,"
That’s a strong statement, but the day backed it up. Tennessee didn’t just beat Alabama - it overwhelmed the Crimson Tide in a performance that clearly left an impression on the young commit.
Cooper said the visit only reinforced what he already felt about his decision.
"Definitely, (I was sure I made the right choice) even before this game.Being around the coaches and other players, there is no doubt about it."
He also said the group of Tennessee commits has built real chemistry this fall. Many of them have made regular trips to Rocky Top, often showing up for home games together.
"I would say we are all pretty tight. All of us pretty much know each other for the most part," Cooper told Vols on SI.
That bond is part of what Tennessee is building with its 2027 class, especially among the in-state pledges who have already spent plenty of time around one another. Cooper mentioned several of them, including David Gabriel-Georges, Kesean Bowman, Ken Simon II, and Malik Howard, as part of a group that figures to stay connected as this class grows.
Before heading back home, Cooper had one more message for Tennessee fans: "Go Big Orange!"
He is expected back in Knoxville for the games against Kentucky and LSU.
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A Tennessee team that has spent the fall trying to prove its place in the SEC spotlight has now been pulled into a broader Week 8 conversation, at least in the prediction game. Among a slate of upset calls circling college football, the Volunteers are the ones getting singled out for a potential edge over South Carolina, a matchup that would carry plenty of weight for a program still trying to stack consistency behind its stronger performances.
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Boyd came away talking about those improvements, and his interest in Tennessee appears to have grown after seeing the unit in person. The Vols are keeping the pressure on the recruiting trail, too, with Derek Jones and Josh Heupel staying in regular contact as they try to keep Boyds attention moving forward. [Read more 🡒]
Tennessees Passing Game Has A Real Opening If The Vols Hold Up Front
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The key, as always, starts up front. If Tennessee can hold up in pass protection, George MacIntyres reads should come easier, and the rest of the offense will have a chance to do its part as receivers and backs work into the right spots. The opportunity is there, but it only matters if the Vols can keep the pocket clean long enough to make South Carolina pay for what it has been giving up. [Read more 🡒]