Josh Heupel continues to show he’s not just building a quarterback room-he’s building a quarterback pipeline in Knoxville. After landing blue-chip talents like Nico Iamaleava, Jake Merklinger, George MacIntyre, and most recently Faizon Brandon, Heupel and his staff are already setting their sights on the next wave. And the 2027 class is officially on the radar.
On Friday, Heupel made a quick trip to Chattanooga’s Baylor School and left having extended an offer to one of the top young quarterbacks in the region: Keegan Croucher. The 6-foot-4 signal-caller is already turning heads, and Tennessee’s interest only adds fuel to the buzz.
Croucher, a four-star prospect by the 247Sports Composite, is ranked No. 218 nationally in the 2027 class, the No. 16 quarterback, and the No. 9 overall player in the state of Tennessee. He’s not just a name to watch-he’s a name that’s already making waves. And he’s doing it at a school that’s become a hotbed for talent, including standout running back David Gabriel Georges, another major Tennessee target.
The Vols’ staff isn’t just taking notice-they’re making moves.
Croucher’s freshman tape speaks for itself. In his first year of high school football, he threw for nearly 3,000 yards (2,934 to be exact) with 31 touchdowns and just three interceptions.
That kind of production at that age? It’s rare-and it’s why schools across the country are paying attention.
He’s got the physical tools you want in a modern quarterback: a strong, projectable 6-4 frame that could easily add another 20 to 25 pounds at the college level, a live arm with natural velocity, and a smooth, compact release. He doesn’t need a big windup to push the ball downfield, and he’s just as comfortable throwing from different angles as he is standing tall in the pocket.
But what separates Croucher from a lot of young passers is his feel. He senses pressure well, maneuvers the pocket with poise, and can make plays on the move.
Whether it’s stepping up to deliver a strike or breaking contain to extend a play, he’s already showing signs of being a complete quarterback. As one analyst put it, Croucher is one of the better pure throwers in the 2027 class and looks every bit the part of a high-level Power Four prospect.
Now, here’s where things get interesting.
Croucher is currently committed to Ole Miss-a decision he made back in October when Lane Kiffin was still running the show in Oxford. But with Kiffin’s move to LSU, the door may not be completely shut for other programs.
Croucher hasn’t decommitted, and there’s been no public indication that he’s wavering. Still, coaching changes have a way of shaking up recruiting boards, and Tennessee is clearly hoping to make the most of that window.
It’s early, and there’s still a long road ahead in the 2027 recruiting cycle. But one thing is clear: Josh Heupel and his staff aren’t waiting around. They’re identifying top-tier talent early and making their pitch with purpose.
Keegan Croucher is the latest name in that effort-and if Tennessee can get in the mix, he could be the next big piece in Heupel’s quarterback legacy.