Tennessee’s push in the 2027 class has a familiar shape to it: the Volunteers are still building, still hunting for help at key spots, and running back remains one of the biggest priorities.
The Vols already hold 17 commitments in the 2027 cycle, but there’s still plenty left to sort out. At running back, Tennessee has its eyes on two in-state names in particular: Asa Barnes and David Gabriel Georges. Both are expected to make their decisions before August ends, and right now one of them appears to be leaning Tennessee’s way.
That back is Barnes, the Westview High School standout from Martinsville, Tennessee. Barnes has been on Tennessee’s radar for a while, and according to Rivals’ Steve Wiltfong, the Vols are sitting in a strong position as his decision approaches.
"Well the week after David Gabriel Georges makes his college decision in-state running back Asa Barnes from Westview High in Martinsville, Tennessee is going to make his declaration. Tennessee is trending heavily for the talented in-state running back.
He is 6'0 and 200 pounds. He is obviously aware of the shadow of David Gabriel Georges and Tennessee's love for him, but the Vols lead in this recruitment for Barnes.
He doesn't care who's in the room whether DGG is in the room or not. Tennessee is the program who checks the boxes for him.
He is also strongly considering Kentucky, Ole Miss, and some other programs," Steve Wiltfong stated in a video for Rivals.
Barnes’ timeline is tied closely to Georges’ decision, but the interest isn’t conditional. If Tennessee lands Georges, that doesn’t appear to change Barnes’ thinking. Barnes has already said he’d be open to teaming up with the Baylor High School running back, and he even believes the two could dominate the SEC together.
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Quarterback Tennessee Hosted Just Changed The Vols Portal Conversation
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For Tennessee, the ripple effect is that the room looks different now than it might have if Pribula had ended up in Knoxville. The Vols instead added Colorado transfer Ryan Staub, and he joins a competition that already includes George MacIntyre and Faizon Brandon, giving Tennessee a young, crowded quarterback picture as the staff sorts out its next starter. [Read more 🡒]
Tennessees Latest Ranking Feels Like A Familiar March Warning
Tennessees preseason picture looks a lot different this time around, with Rick Barnes having rebuilt most of the roster through the transfer portal and recruiting. Only DeWayne Brown II and Troy Henderson return as contributors, and the newcomers are trying to mesh quickly after a summer of work that Barnes has already described in positive terms, especially when it comes to attitude, bonding and effort.
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Josh Heupel Is About To Set Tennessees 2026 Tone In Atlanta
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Tennessees presence will not be limited to Heupel alone, either, giving the Vols a chance to put a few key voices in front of the conference spotlight right away. With the full SEC schedule stretching across four days, the early stage belongs to Tennessee, and what gets said in Atlanta can shape how the rest of the league talks about the Vols heading into fall. [Read more 🡒]