Tennessee in the Hunt for Elite EDGE Prospect Andrew Rogers
The holidays just got a little brighter for Tennessee football fans, and it’s not because of the lights strung across Neyland. One of the top edge rushers in the 2027 class, Andrew Rogers, has the Vols squarely in his sights-and that’s the kind of news that can energize a fanbase hungry for elite talent in the trenches.
Rogers, a 6-foot-6, 240-pound edge rusher, checks every box you want in a modern defensive disruptor. He’s long, explosive, and already productive at the high school level. After recently decommitting from Virginia Tech, Rogers is back on the market, and Tennessee is in a prime position to make a move.
Speaking with Rivals’ Chad Simmons, Rogers didn’t hold back on his feelings about Rocky Top: “Tennessee is a crazy place. The hype is real.”
And he’s not wrong. Neyland Stadium on a Saturday is one of the most electric environments in college football, and for a player who thrives on energy and momentum, it’s easy to see the appeal.
Why Rogers Would Be a Major Get for the Vols
Rogers is currently rated as a 4-star prospect and ranked No. 282 nationally by Rivals. That may not scream “can’t-miss” just yet, but the tape and the production tell a more compelling story.
In 14 games this past season for Grimsley High School, Rogers racked up eight sacks and 13 tackles for loss-numbers that jump off the stat sheet. Even more impressive, he helped lead Grimsley to back-to-back state championships, showing he knows how to win and perform when it matters most.
Grimsley, by the way, is the same program that produced 5-star quarterback Faizon Brandon, who’s already signed with Tennessee. That connection could be key. If Brandon is in Rogers’ ear about joining him in Knoxville, that could give the Vols a valuable edge in what’s shaping up to be a competitive recruitment.
The Competition Is Stiff
Make no mistake-this won’t be a walk in the park for Josh Heupel and his staff. Rogers holds offers from some of the biggest names in the sport: Notre Dame, Florida State, LSU, Georgia, South Carolina, and more. And while Virginia Tech just lost his commitment, the Hokies aren’t out of the picture either, especially after hiring James Franklin, one of the most aggressive recruiters in the game.
Still, Tennessee has momentum. The Vols have been building something under Heupel, and securing a player like Rogers would be a statement. Not just because he’s a blue-chip talent, but because he fills a real need.
Building the 2027 Class-and the Defensive Front
Right now, Tennessee’s 2027 class includes four commitments, but only one of them is a defensive lineman. That’s not going to cut it in the SEC, where games are won and lost in the trenches. Rogers wouldn’t just be another name on the commit list-he’d be a foundational piece of the defensive front, someone you can build around.
Heupel’s aiming for back-to-back top-10 recruiting classes, and Rogers is the kind of player who helps make that happen. He brings size, production, and upside-and he’s already showing signs of being drawn to the energy and culture Tennessee is building.
What Comes Next
Recruitments like this are rarely straightforward. There will be twists, visits, and plenty of pitches from powerhouse programs. But Tennessee is in the mix, and that’s exactly where you want to be when a player of Rogers’ caliber is weighing his options.
For now, all eyes will be on what Rogers does next. If he ends up in Knoxville, the Vols won’t just be adding a top-tier edge rusher-they’ll be landing a potential difference-maker who could wreak havoc in the SEC for years to come.
Stay tuned. This one’s just heating up.