Tennessee’s 2027 class got another clear sign of stability on Friday, as four-star offensive lineman Q’Mari Hudson said he is done with his recruitment and staying locked in with the Vols.
Hudson made the news himself in a post on X, writing, “The recruitment is officially closed,” Hudson posted on his X. “First, I want to thank every coach, program, and person who has been part of this journey.
I’m blessed to have had the opportunity to build relationships with so many great programs, but it’s time to focus on what’s next. The job isn’t finished.”
The Chesapeake, Virginia, native is a major piece for Tennessee in the 2027 cycle. He plays at Western Branch and is rated a four-star by 247 Composite. He checks in as the No. 387 player in the country, the No. 38 offensive tackle and the No. 9 player in Virginia.
At 6-foot-4.5 and 330 pounds, Hudson brings size that fits the profile Tennessee wanted up front. He works both sides of the line in high school, but he’s headed to the offensive line at the next level. Glen Elarbee has been his main recruiter with the Vols.
Hudson took his official visit to Tennessee on June 5, after also visiting Virginia Tech. Virginia was in the mix as well, though he never took an official visit to see the Hoos. He gave Tennessee his verbal commitment on June 13.
He is now one of 19 commits in Tennessee’s 2027 class. That group is led by five-star running back David Gabriel Georges, who is ranked as the No. 11 player nationally and the No. 2 running back on 247. The class also includes four-stars Kesean Bowman, Kenneth Simon II, Malik Howard, Niko Kampas, Princeton Uwaifo and Marcus Jones.
In Other News...
Tennessees Transfer Turnover Is Already Creating Some Tough Comparisons
The offseason transfer churn around college football always invites second-guessing, and Tennessee is already seeing plenty of it as former Volunteers settle in at new programs. A look across the country shows a mixed picture for the players who left Knoxville, with some finding immediate roles and producing at a level that keeps their old team in the conversation, while others are still trying to carve out consistent opportunities.
For Tennessee, the comparisons are unavoidable because the Vols are watching ex-players make their mark in different settings, from notable impacts to quieter starts that leave their long-term value still unfolding. It is the kind of transfer snapshot that can look one way in September and another by the end of the season, which is why the next stretch will matter just as much as the first impressions. [Read more 🡒]
Josh Heupel's Knoxville Visit Put Tennessee Fans On Manning Watch
Josh Heupel made a stop in Knoxville on Friday night, and the sight of Tennessees head coach meeting with Baylor School freshman quarterback Marshall Manning was enough to get Volunteers fans talking. Baylors 21-7 win over Knox Catholic already had plenty of local interest, but Mannings presence added another layer, especially with the son of Peyton Manning still early in his high school career and working behind the scenes as a backup quarterback.
The visit also doubled as a recruiting trip for Tennessee, with running backs coach DeRail Sims on hand to watch five-star commit David Gabriel Georges. Georges turned in a strong performance in the game, giving the Vols another reason to keep close tabs on the matchup. For Tennessee fans, the night offered a little bit of everything: a glimpse at a familiar name, a look at a prized commit, and another reminder that the staff is staying active on the high school trail. [Read more 🡒]
Tennessees Next Depth Chart Already Comes With One Huge Uncertainty
An early look at Tennessees roster for next season already shows how much can change before the first snap, even before the transfer portal gets involved. The projection is built around likely NFL draft departures and a position-by-position guess at who could step into bigger roles, giving a rough sketch of what the Volunteers might look like on both sides of the ball.
Still, the biggest question hangs over the quarterback spot, where the depth chart is far from settled and could reshape the whole offense. Because this is only a preliminary exercise, it leaves plenty of room for the portal to alter the picture as well, which means Tennessees most important answers may not arrive until much later. [Read more 🡒]