As the early signing period kicks off for the 2026 class, Tennessee football is already looking ahead-and looking strong-when it comes to 2027. The Vols are laying the groundwork early, and one name to keep an eye on is four-star offensive lineman Qua Ford.
Ford, a standout from Texas High in Texarkana, has narrowed his list to five programs: Tennessee, Ohio State, Oregon, Texas A&M and SMU. That’s a competitive group, and the Vols are right in the thick of it. According to Rivals Industry rankings, Ford sits at No. 81 nationally, is the No. 4 interior offensive lineman in the class, and ranks as the No. 11 overall player in the state of Texas.
At 6-foot-5 and 285 pounds, Ford is a physical presence on the offensive line. He currently lines up at tackle for his high school squad, but there’s a growing sense among scouts that his future may be on the interior-either at guard or center-where his size, strength, and footwork could make him a dominant force at the next level.
Ford’s sophomore season was a breakout campaign. He anchored the left side of the line for a Texas High team that went 12-1 and made it to the third round of the Texas 5A Division I playoffs. His performance earned him second-team MaxPreps Sophomore All-America honors, a nod that speaks volumes about his upside in a state known for producing elite offensive linemen.
Tennessee’s 2027 class is already shaping up to be one of the more intriguing groups in the country. The Vols currently hold four commitments, including one from in-state offensive lineman Princeton Uwaifo, a four-star recruit ranked No. 110 nationally by 247Sports. That’s a solid foundation to build on, especially with Ford still in play.
The rest of the Vols' early haul includes three-star defensive lineman Kadin Fife, cornerback Kamauri Whitfield, and linebacker JP Peace. It’s a balanced group that’s helped Tennessee climb to No. 11 nationally in the 2027 class rankings. And with the staff actively in the mix for several other high-end prospects, the Vols are positioning themselves for another strong cycle.
Landing a player like Ford would be a major statement-not just because of his talent, but because of what it would signal about Tennessee’s growing presence in talent-rich Texas. The Vols have made recruiting the Lone Star State a priority in recent years, and Ford represents the kind of high-upside, high-character lineman that programs build their trenches around.
As the 2026 class signs on the dotted line, Tennessee’s staff is already looking ahead. And with names like Qua Ford on the board, the future in Knoxville looks plenty bright.