The recruiting cycle is starting to pick up momentum as official visits are being finalized and commitments continue to roll in.
For Tennessee Volunteers and head coach Josh Heupel, there is still significant work ahead, with the Vols currently holding just nine pledges in the 2027 recruiting class.
One of their top targets is in-state standout Malik Howard, a four-star tight end from Oak Ridge, Tennessee, but Tennessee faces stiff competition from several major programs including Alabama, Notre Dame, and Oregon.
Howard has a busy visit schedule ahead, with an official trip to Alabama coming first, which adds urgency for Tennessee as they prepare to host him shortly afterward.
That back-to-back timing could prove crucial in the Volunteers’ efforts to make a strong impression on the hometown recruit.
However, the battle is far from one-sided, as Notre Dame also remains heavily involved and is scheduled to host Howard later in the month, giving the Fighting Irish another strong opportunity to sway him.
With elite programs aggressively pursuing him, Tennessee will need a strong recruiting push to hold onto the in-state talent and secure a key piece for its future offense.
