Tennessee’s 2027 running back class already has its headline name in five-star David Gabriel Georges, but Asa Barnes keeps forcing his way into the conversation.
The in-state Vols commit turned in a ridiculous performance for Westview in a 69-7 win over Obion County, and he barely needed any volume to do it. Barnes handled five carries and turned them into 163 yards and five touchdowns. Every touch turned into a score.
He even posted the numbers himself after the game: “Week 4 Highights⬇️
5 car 163 yards 5tds!!”
Barnes is listed as a three-star recruit by 247 Composite, where he checks in as the No. 550 player in the country, the No. 36 running back and the No. 22 prospect in Tennessee. He committed to Tennessee over USC, Florida State and Arkansas, with Alabama, Kentucky, Louisville, Maryland, Missouri, Ohio State, Ole Miss, Vanderbilt, Virginia Tech, West Virginia and others also in the mix before the finalists were set.
The scouting report from 247 analyst TJ Randall paints a clear picture of why Tennessee wanted him. “Well-built back who attacks defenses as both a runner and a receiver, displaying a nose for the end zone altogether,” Randall wrote.
“… Capable of diverse victories as a pass catcher down the field. Burst and speed are more mundane, forecasting a higher number of missed tackle attempts at the first two levels against collegiate competition.
Projects as a reliable starting running back at the Power Four level via his three-down skill set.”
Barnes now gives Tennessee a second running back commitment in the class alongside Gabriel Georges, who is ranked as the No. 9 overall recruit, the No. 2 running back and the top player in Tennessee. Gabriel Georges is originally from Canada and plays for Baylor School in Chattanooga.
In Other News...
Tennessee Looked Dominant But One Problem Kept This Win From Feeling Complete
Tennessee handled Georgia Tech 45-24, and the final score fit the way the Volunteers controlled much of the night. The running backs brought the kind of downhill punch that kept the offense on schedule, Faizon Brandon looked composed at quarterback, and the defense did enough to tilt the game in Tennessees favor with sacks and interceptions that repeatedly stalled Yellow Jackets drives.
Still, the performance never felt fully polished. The offensive line had stretches that were solid but not spotless, and special teams introduced enough mistakes to keep the win from feeling as clean as the margin suggested. Even with the lopsided result, the penalties and kicking-game issues left Tennessee with a clear next step before this team can call a strong outing complete. [Read more 🡒]
Tennessee's Kennesaw State Game Has A Knoxville Twist Fans Will Notice
No. 14 Tennessees Week 3 date with Kennesaw State at Neyland Stadium brings the kind of nonconference matchup the Vols are expected to handle, but there is a little Knoxville flavor baked into it. The game will air on SEC Network and will be the first meeting between the programs, yet the Owls will arrive with a familiar name on the roster in redshirt freshman kicker Daniel Kinney, a former Bearden High School athlete.
Kinney has already gotten into games for Kennesaw State and handled himself well on field goals and extra points, which gives this trip a touch more local interest than your typical early-season tuneup. For Tennessee fans, it adds one more storyline to a game that otherwise should be about the Vols doing what ranked teams are supposed to do, even if one nearby face gives the crowd something extra to track. [Read more 🡒]
Which Former Vol Delivered Week 1s Biggest NFL Moment
Opening week of the 2026 NFL season offered plenty for Tennessee fans to track, with a handful of former Vols turning in notable showings around the league. Josh Palmer delivered the biggest headline, hauling in a game-winning touchdown for the Buffalo Bills, while Trey Smith and Darnell Wright each started and played every offensive snap for their teams. A broader roundup of Tennessee alumni also included several players making their NFL debuts or getting on the field in game action.
For a program that routinely sends talent into the league, the first weekend served as another reminder of how wide the Volunteer footprint can stretch once the season begins. Some names flashed in the spotlight right away, others quietly handled full workloads up front, and a few were just taking their first steps as pros. The full list of contributions was long enough to fill out a useful early-season snapshot, even if the most memorable moment belonged to Palmer. [Read more 🡒]