Tennessee continues to build momentum on the recruiting trail for its 2027 football class, and one of the latest developments has the Vols squarely in the mix for one of the top defensive backs in the country.
Four-star cornerback Montre Jackson has included Tennessee in his top eight schools, a group that also features Oklahoma, Texas, SMU, Ole Miss, Texas Tech, Texas A&M, and Duke. It’s a competitive list, but Tennessee has clearly done enough to stay in the hunt for the talented defensive back out of Garland, Texas.
Jackson, listed at 6-foot-1 and 175 pounds, plays at Lakeview Centennial High School and has been turning heads with his length, athleticism, and instincts in coverage. According to 247Sports, he’s ranked as the No. 19 cornerback nationally and the No. 23 overall player in the state of Texas for the 2027 cycle - no small feat in a state known for producing elite football talent.
The Vols offered Jackson a scholarship back on April 29, 2025, and they’ll get their shot to make a lasting impression when he takes an official visit to Knoxville on June 19. That visit could prove crucial as the staff looks to separate itself from a crowded field of suitors.
Texas Tech was the first to extend an offer, doing so in December 2023, and since then, Jackson’s recruiting profile has exploded. He’s picked up offers from a host of Power Four programs, including Baylor, LSU, Florida State, Stanford, and Arkansas, among many others. That kind of attention speaks volumes about his upside and versatility as a corner who can play in multiple schemes.
As for Tennessee’s 2027 class, it’s already starting to take shape. The Vols have secured early commitments from linebacker JP Peace, cornerback Kamauri Whitfield, offensive tackle Princeton Uwaifo, and defensive lineman Kadin Fife. Adding Jackson to that mix would give Tennessee another high-upside defender and continue to strengthen a group that’s already showing balance across key positions.
With Jackson’s official visit on the horizon, Tennessee has a prime opportunity to make a push. The Vols are positioning themselves well, but with competition this fierce, every step in the recruiting process matters.