The Tennessee Volunteers added another piece to their 2027 recruiting class on Saturday, earning a commitment from junior college defensive lineman Christian Mays of Northeast Mississippi Community College.
A native of Lakewood, Colorado, Mays chose Tennessee over a strong group of programs that included Arkansas, Auburn, and Mississippi State.
Defensive line coach Rodney Garner played a key role in recruiting the talented prospect to Knoxville.
Standing 6-foot-5, Mays becomes Tennessee’s 11th commitment in the 2027 cycle and the second defensive line pledge in the class.
He also joined four-star tight end Malik Howard as one of the Volunteers’ major additions during a successful official-visit weekend.
Mays said Tennessee had long been a dream destination and that the coaching staff’s ability to develop players for the next level made the decision easy.
He praised the experience and knowledge of the defensive coaches and noted that the program immediately felt like home during his visit.
Although he did not arrive in Knoxville expecting to make a commitment, Mays said the atmosphere and relationships he built with the staff ultimately convinced him to pledge to the Volunteers.
Tennessee is looking to build momentum on the recruiting trail after finishing the 2025 season with an 8-5 record, including a 4-4 mark in SEC play.
The Volunteers will open the 2026 campaign at home against Furman on Sept. 5 before beginning conference action against Texas later that month.
