Tennessee is already laying the groundwork for its 2027 recruiting class, and one of the top names on its board is four-star safety KJ Caldwell. The Parkview High School standout out of Lilburn, Georgia, is set to make his college decision on April 3, choosing from a final group that includes Tennessee, Georgia, Miami, Vanderbilt, and NC State.
At 6 feet tall and 176 pounds, Caldwell brings the kind of athletic frame and versatility that coaches covet in the secondary. He’s not just a highly rated prospect-he’s one of the elite defensive backs in the country.
According to 247Sports, Caldwell ranks as the No. 5 safety in the 2027 class and checks in as the No. 8 overall player in talent-rich Georgia. That kind of pedigree puts him firmly in the national spotlight and makes his recruitment one to watch closely over the next several weeks.
There’s also a bit of a Tennessee connection here. Caldwell plays at Parkview High School, the same program that produced current Vols wide receiver Mike Matthews. That pipeline could give Tennessee a subtle edge, especially considering Caldwell’s familiarity with the program.
The Vols extended a scholarship offer to Caldwell back on April 9, 2025, and he’s already spent time on campus. He made an unofficial visit to Knoxville for the Big Orange BBQ and attended a camp from May 31 to June 1, 2025. Those visits gave him a closer look at the culture Josh Heupel is building and the defensive identity Tennessee is shaping for the future.
Georgia Tech was the first to offer Caldwell, doing so on January 27, 2025, and since then, his offer sheet has exploded. Programs from across the country have jumped in, including the likes of LSU, Texas A&M, Florida State, Wisconsin, and Auburn. That kind of national attention speaks to both his on-field production and his long-term potential.
As it stands, Tennessee has already secured four early commitments in its 2027 class: linebacker JP Peace, offensive tackle Princeton Uwaifo, defensive lineman Kadin Fife, and quarterback Derrick Baker. Adding Caldwell would be a major statement for a class that’s already showing signs of strong balance across key positions.
With his decision looming, all eyes will be on Caldwell as he narrows down his future. And for Tennessee, landing a top-five safety from SEC territory would be another big win in what’s shaping up to be a pivotal recruiting cycle.