Tennessee’s 2028 class is already on the board with four-star quarterback Kaden Craft, and the Vols are wasting no time building around that start. One of the names now tied to that push is Nasir Parker, a 2028 wide receiver who is still unranked but drawing attention from major programs across the country.
Parker has picked up offers from LSU, Ole Miss and Tennessee, and the Vols clearly left a strong impression. When Tennessee extended the offer, Parker said his mind immediately went back to the conversations he’d had with his father.
“Being from New Orleans, my dad always talked about Peyton Manning and his success with Tennessee in the SEC. I was really excited to be offered by such an amazing program.”
Parker plays at Archbishop Shaw High School in Louisiana, and his family connection to college football has already helped him form relationships with coaches. His brother, Jasper Parker, was a four-star recruit in the 2025 class, and through him Nasir got to know Tennessee receivers coach Kelsey Pope.
“We first met back before my brother committed to Michigan, so we had a great rapport. Coach Pope expressed how excited he is about my future and how high he thought my ceiling is.”
Parker also made it clear that Tennessee is a program he wants to learn more about, both on and off the field.
“I am really excited to build a relationship with the coaching staff and to learn more about the offense. Academically, I know Tennessee is top-notch, so I can’t wait to get up there and experience the environment at Rocky Top.”
His brother recently transferred to Arkansas, and Nasir and his father plan to attend the Razorbacks’ home games this fall. Even so, Parker is also planning a trip to Knoxville for Tennessee’s SEC opener against Texas.
In Other News...
Vanderbilt Just Added Intrigue To Tennessees Future QB Showdown
The first quarterback decision of the season already added an extra layer to Tennessees long-term conversation under center, with true freshman Faizon Brandon named the starter for the opener. Across the border in Nashville, Vanderbilt followed with its own call, going with Blaze Berlowitz over five-star freshman Jared Curtis for its first game, even as Curtis is expected to see the field against Austin Peay.
Jared Curtis is the name that makes this more interesting for Tennessee fans, because the buzz around a future matchup now has a clearer shape. If the two programs get the chance to put their young quarterbacks on the same stage later in the season, it would turn a routine SEC meeting into a useful early snapshot of where both passing games are headed. [Read more 🡒]
Peyton Manning And The Vols Honor A Tennessee Icon After Heartbreaking Loss
The loss of Dolly Parton sent a wave of grief through Tennessee, and the reaction from Peyton Manning and the Volunteers showed just how deeply she mattered to the state. The former Tennessee quarterback and the universitys athletic department both honored the country music legend with public tributes, recognizing not only her towering career but also the bond she always shared with her home state.
Parton was more than an icon on the music side of Tennessee life, and the tributes reflected that broader impact. Her music, charity work and unmistakable presence made her a beloved figure well beyond Knoxville, which is why the Vols response landed as part remembrance, part thank you to a woman whose legacy stretched far past the stage. [Read more 🡒]
Tennessee Is Suddenly In The Mix For A Major Recruiting Shocker
Five-star defensive line prospect DJ Jacobs is still very much on Tennessees board, even with Ohio State holding his current commitment. The Vols have not backed off in the race for the prized recruit, with Josh Heupel and defensive line coach Rodney Garner continuing to push hard as the Early Signing Period approaches in December.
Miami is in the fight too, and Mario Cristobal has been aggressive in keeping Jacobs engaged as the recruiting battle unfolds. Jacobs is also expected to make multiple trips back to Ohio State, but Tennessee is hoping to get him on campus as well, since a visit to Knoxville could become a major factor in where this recruitment ultimately lands. [Read more 🡒]