As the calendar flips to a new year, the recruiting trail heats up - and Tennessee isn’t wasting a second. With the 2026 class in the books, Josh Heupel and his staff are already back on the road, blending the final touches on Transfer Portal additions while laying the groundwork for the 2027 cycle. And make no mistake: the Vols are looking to build on serious momentum.
Heupel’s 2026 class wasn’t just good - it was elite. This was, by far, his most impressive haul since taking over in Knoxville.
Headlined by three 5-star prospects, including blue-chip quarterback Faizon Brandon, the group landed just behind SEC heavyweights Georgia and Alabama in the national rankings. That’s rare air, and it’s a clear signal that Tennessee isn’t just playing catch-up anymore - they’re recruiting like contenders.
But here’s the thing about Tennessee football: no matter how far the staff casts its net, in-state talent remains the foundation. That identity hasn’t changed under Heupel.
Of the 2026 signees, nine hailed from Tennessee high schools - including five of the top seven players in the state. That group featured 5-star offensive lineman Gabriel Osenda, a massive win for the Vols in both talent and optics.
Now, Heupel’s looking to keep that in-state pipeline flowing. On Wednesday morning, he made a stop at Halls High School in Knoxville to check in on 4-star safety Jarell Chandler - one of the top defensive backs in the 2027 class, and a name Tennessee fans should get familiar with.
Chandler is currently rated the No. 31 safety nationally in his class, per the 247Sports Composite, and his offer list backs that up. Programs like Clemson, Georgia, Michigan, and Florida State are all in the mix, each hoping to lure the versatile defender away from his home state. But Tennessee has a real shot here, especially with Heupel making the personal visit this early in the cycle.
There’s something to be said for a hometown kid playing in front of a hometown crowd - and Chandler has the kind of game that could make him a fan favorite in Neyland Stadium. He’s instinctive, physical, and plays with a chip on his shoulder. The Vols are clearly prioritizing him, and that matters when you’re battling blue-blood programs for elite talent.
We’re still 11 months out from the early signing period for the 2027 class, so there’s a long road ahead. But Tennessee’s already putting itself in a strong position. Heupel’s boots-on-the-ground approach continues to pay dividends, and with the success of the 2026 class fresh in mind, the Vols are looking to keep that recruiting momentum rolling.