Tennessee football is firmly in the hunt for one of the most coveted prospects in the 2027 recruiting class. Hayden Stepp - a name that’s already generating serious buzz among college football insiders - has narrowed his options to five programs, and the Vols made the cut. Joining Tennessee in Stepp’s top five are Oregon, Alabama, Clemson, and Miami, according to Rivals.
Stepp isn’t just another highly touted recruit - he’s a game-changer in the making. Ranked No. 23 overall in the class of 2027 by 247Sports, he also holds the distinction of being the No. 4 cornerback nationally and the top-ranked player coming out of Nevada. At over 6-foot-3 and 190 pounds, Stepp brings a rare blend of size, athleticism, and instincts to the cornerback position - traits that have scouts across the country taking notice.
Playing his high school ball at powerhouse Bishop Gorman in Las Vegas, Stepp has been a standout in a region that’s loaded with elite defensive backs this cycle. And according to 247Sports national recruiting analyst Greg Biggins, Stepp is the cream of the crop.
“It’s a deep year for corners out West and Stepp is our pick as the No. 1 guy on our board at this juncture,” Biggins said back in September. “Has a long, athletic frame pushing 6-foot-4 and can smother opposing receivers at the line of scrimmage.
Shows rare combination of length and athleticism as well as natural cover instincts. Despite his length, has quick feet and closes very well on the football.”
That kind of scouting report is music to the ears of any defensive coordinator. Stepp’s size alone makes him a mismatch for most receivers, but it’s his fluid movement, ability to mirror routes, and ball skills that separate him from the pack. He’s the kind of player who can erase one side of the field - and those don’t come around often.
Tennessee was one of the first programs to recognize Stepp’s potential, extending an offer back in February of 2025. That early interest could pay dividends as his recruitment heats up.
Stepp made the trip to Knoxville this past season, attending the Vols’ home matchup against Oklahoma. While the scoreboard didn’t favor Tennessee that day, the atmosphere left a lasting impression.
Recruits have consistently praised the energy inside Neyland Stadium - a factor that continues to boost Tennessee’s standing with top-tier talent.
As for the Vols’ 2027 recruiting class, it’s already off to a strong start. Tennessee currently holds four commitments, headlined by in-state offensive lineman Princeton Uwaifo.
The four-star prospect is ranked No. 110 nationally and gives the class a sturdy foundation in the trenches. Joining him are three-star defensive lineman Kadin Fife, cornerback Kamauri Whitfield, and linebacker JP Peace.
Together, this group has helped Tennessee climb to No. 13 in the current team rankings on 247Sports.
Adding a player like Stepp would be a massive boost - not just for the Vols’ secondary, but for the overall trajectory of the class. He’s the type of recruit who can anchor a defensive unit for years and elevate a program’s national profile.
With Tennessee already in the mix and having built an early relationship, the Vols are in a strong position. But with blue-bloods like Alabama and Clemson also in the race, it’s far from a done deal.
Still, Tennessee’s early investment, combined with a compelling game day experience and a rising class, gives them a real shot at landing one of the premier defensive backs in the country. The race for Hayden Stepp is heating up - and the Vols are right in the thick of it.