Tennessee’s commitment list is already deep, and a wave of those pledges has been scattered across Friday night football.
The Vols have 20 total commits, with 19 in the 2027 class and one in 2028, and several of them have already gotten their weeks started. David Gabriel-Georges, Kesean Bowman and Kenneth Simon II all played Thursday night in a game that aired on ESPN2, and Gabriel-Georges’ Baylor Red Raiders came out on top.
Niko Kampas also took the field Thursday and helped his team beat Marietta in a high-scoring matchup. His side scored 44 points in the win.
Jaden Butler’s night went the other way. His team dropped a 31-28 decision to Henry County in its season opener, a result that came down to the wire.
Ford Fehling, Tennessee’s kicker commit, was part of a lopsided 77-13 victory Thursday night. The source described him as “one of the better kickers in the country, to say the least.”
The early slate also included 2028 quarterback commit Kaden Craft, who helped his team earn its first win of the season in a 47-0 shutout.
Friday night brings another long list of Vols commits into action. Tight end pledge Malik Howard is set to face Halls High School, and he’s expected to be a major factor for Oak Ridge.
Princeton Uwaifo, one of the better offensive linemen in Tennessee, is also lined up for action against Cookeville. His work in pass protection has been a major part of his value.
At Westview, running back commit Asa Barnes is set to open his season as the program looks toward a run at a state championship in 2026.
Legacy commit JP Peace gets one of the marquee matchups of the night, as Alcoa and Maryville open against each other.
Brandon “Slim” Leavell and Goodpasture Christian are headed on the road to Glencliff High School to start their season, and he has a big chance to make his mark there.
The Peach State defensive back Dylan Haley opens against East Forsyth in a game that should bring plenty of physical play.
Dayon Cooper is back in action for South Pittsburgh, which is aiming for another trip to the state championship later this season. His game kicks off at 8:00 PM EST.
Derrick Baker, the 2027 gunslinger commit, faces a stiff test against North Cobb as Milton takes on the Warriors.
Carter Jamison, meanwhile, is one to watch on defense for one of Georgia’s better high school programs. He’s expected to be a key piece in coverage, and the source notes he’ll be watched closely in 2026.
In Other News...
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Joey Aguilar has turned a quiet preseason opportunity into a real roster storyline in Jacksonville. The undrafted rookie quarterback, who led the SEC in passing yards last season at Tennessee before going unselected in the draft, has made the most of his snaps with the Jaguars and given the coaching staff something to weigh as roster decisions draw closer.
Through two preseason games, Aguilar has completed 10 of 11 passes for 173 yards and a touchdown, a start that keeps him firmly in the mix. He still has one more exhibition game to strengthen his case, and for a Jaguars team sorting out the back end of the quarterback room, his rise has made that final evaluation a tougher one. [Read more 🡒]
Former Vol Joey Aguilar Is Making A Real NFL Roster Push
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Aguilar completed 9 of 10 passes for 130 yards and a touchdown, highlighted by a 29-yard scoring strike to rookie wide receiver Trebor Pea. For a quarterback trying to force his way onto the Jaguars' roster, it was the kind of efficient performance that gets attention in a crowded competition, even if the final call still has to be made. [Read more 🡒]
Tennessee Scrimmage Put One Key Vols Battle Back In Focus
Tennessees second fall scrimmage brought a little more clarity to a few spots and a little more intrigue to one of the deeper battles on the roster. As the Volunteers continue preparing for the 2026 opener against Furman, the secondary got a boost from newcomers TJ Metcalf and Dejuan Lane, who both stepped in for injured Edrees Farooq and came away with interceptions. It was the kind of showing that can matter in August, especially for a defense still sorting out how the pieces fit after camp.
Faizon Brandon also flashed the running ability that can add another layer to Tennessees offense, but the job still appears unsettled at right tackle. Ory Williams and Jesse Perry remain locked in a competition there, and it is the sort of battle that can quietly shape how smooth everything else looks once the season starts. For now, the Vols have a few encouraging signs and at least one starting-caliber decision still waiting to be made. [Read more 🡒]