As Tennessee starts to shape the early foundation of its 2027 recruiting class, the Vols are making it clear they’re not wasting time going after top-tier talent. One name that’s now firmly on their radar: Miguel Whitley, a dynamic four-star wide receiver out of New Orleans.
Whitley took a major step in his recruitment process this week, narrowing his list of finalists down to five programs - and Tennessee made the cut. The Vols are battling it out with some heavy hitters: Ohio State, LSU, Ole Miss, and Houston round out the group.
This isn’t just any prospect. Whitley is ranked No. 46 nationally and sits as the No. 7 wide receiver in the 2027 cycle, according to Rivals’ Top 300.
At six feet tall, he brings a blend of speed, athleticism, and playmaking that’s hard to ignore. He’s not just making noise on the football field, either - he also competes on the track for St.
Augustine High School, showcasing the kind of burst and acceleration that translates well to the receiver position.
For Tennessee, landing a player like Whitley would continue a trend that’s been building over the past few recruiting cycles. Wide receivers coach Kelsey Pope has become a key figure in the Vols’ recruiting success, especially at his position group. The results speak for themselves.
In the 2026 class, Tennessee reeled in five-star Tristen Keys and four-star Tyreek King. The year before, it was four-stars Travis Smith Jr. and Radarious Jackson.
And in 2024, the Vols brought in Mike Matthews and Braylon Staley, both four-star talents. That’s six blue-chip receivers in three years - a clear sign that Pope’s ability to connect with players and evaluate talent is paying off.
Head coach Josh Heupel acknowledged that during his signing day press conference in December, giving Pope credit for the relationships he’s built and the consistency he’s brought to the recruiting trail.
As it stands now, Tennessee’s 2027 class includes four early commitments: four-star offensive tackle Princeton Uwaifo, four-star defensive lineman Kadin Fife, three-star linebacker JP Peace, and three-star cornerback Kamauri Whitfield. That group currently ranks No. 16 in Rivals’ Industry Team Rankings - a solid start, but adding a player like Whitley could give it a serious boost.
Whitley’s junior film shows the kind of explosiveness and route-running polish that makes him one of the most sought-after receivers in the country. He’s a threat after the catch, tracks the deep ball well, and doesn’t shy away from contact. In short, he’s the kind of wideout who can tilt the field - and Tennessee is hoping to be the team that gets to unleash that talent in orange and white.