Tennessee’s 2027 recruiting class is close to being buttoned up, but the Vols may not be done yet.
One name to watch is Joshua Lane, a 2027 three-star defensive line prospect from Memphis who picked up an offer from Tennessee earlier this week. Lane is already committed to Charles Huff and the Memphis Tigers, but his recruitment has clearly taken on another layer of momentum with several Power Four programs getting involved. Alabama, Missouri, and Mississippi State are among the schools that have also offered him.
Lane committed to Memphis in June, but with more major programs entering the picture, he’s going to have plenty to sort through before anything becomes final. According to 247 Sports, he will be in Tuscaloosa this weekend.
Ranked as a top 50 player in the state, Lane would be a strong addition if Tennessee can get back into the mix.
For now, the Vols’ 2027 class already sits at 19 commits, with nine from the state of Tennessee - or 10 if you count David Gabriel-Georges. And while the class may not land inside the top 10 nationally in the rankings, it does have a real chance to produce future difference-makers.
Gabriel-Georges, Kesean Bowman, and Malik Howard are the obvious headliners. Marcus Jones also stands out as a player with real upside at safety.
There’s plenty of buzz around Asa Barnes as well. The three-star running back has been rolling lately, including a five-touchdown game.
Quarterback commit Derrick Baker has also made a strong impression. Against Tennessee powerhouse Battle Ground Academy, he posted 326 combined passing and rushing yards and accounted for five total touchdowns, with three through the air and two on the ground.
In Other News...
Former Vol Returns To Neyland With Added Intrigue For Tennessee
Cam Millers path has brought him back to Knoxville in an unexpected way, with the former Tennessee receiver turned defensive back set to line up against the Vols at Neyland Stadium this week. Miller began his college career at Tennessee in 2022 as a four-star receiver recruit, but after one season he moved on and eventually landed at Kennesaw State for his final year.
Now healthy again, Miller is expected to be on the field when Kennesaw State meets his old program, adding a little extra intrigue to a matchup that already carries the usual feel of an early-season tuneup. For Tennessee, it is one more reminder that roster movement can circle back quickly, and for Miller it is a chance to revisit the place where his college career started, only this time from the other sideline. [Read more 🡒]
Neylands New Entry Plan Puts Tennessee Fans On The Clock
Tennessee is trying to make the first trip into Neyland Stadium feel a little smoother for Saturdays game against Kennesaw State, doubling the number of metal detectors to 65 in an effort to speed up fan entry. The school is also adding new detector locations and providing updated instructions for fans and students, part of a broader game-day push as the stadium continues to evolve around them.
The timing fits a venue that already looks and sounds different from seasons past. Neyland now has a new sound system, a widened concourse and ongoing construction tied to the 865 Neyland entertainment district, which means Volunteers fans are navigating a stadium experience that is still very much in transition. For now, the biggest variable may be how quickly everyone adjusts to the new entry plan once the gates open. [Read more 🡒]
Tennessees New Adidas Look Is Already Sparking A Vols Identity Debate
Tennessee is sticking with its familiar look for the upcoming game against Kennesaw State, keeping the white helmets, orange jerseys and white pants that have long defined home Saturdays in Knoxville. The decision comes even after the program rolled out new Adidas home uniforms earlier this year, a reveal built around design touches meant to reflect Tennessee football history and tradition.
Josh Heupel has already voiced his support for the partnership with Adidas, pointing to what it can mean for players now and down the road. Still, the contrast between the new rollout and the classic game-day setup has only added to the ongoing identity discussion around the Vols, where even a uniform choice can feel like part of a bigger conversation about what Tennessee football should look like moving forward. [Read more 🡒]