Week of June 16th
Tennessee Football Adds Legacy Commit, Recruiting News, Vols Hoops, and Titans Updates
Happy Friday to all of those who celebrate. I’m having to switch up how I make my Vols & Titans updates. We are switching to a weekly newsletter that gets sent out every Friday, covering everything Vols/Titans related.
I would love to continue to do my daily updates, but as a one-man show, I’m going to have to make this a weekly update. To my one or two readers, I am sorry.
On with the news!
Tennessee Football Land Class of 2027 Legacy Commit
Josh Heupel & Co. have secured a commitment from JP Peace, a standout athlete from West High School in Knoxville. As the son of former Tennessee linebacker Robert Peace and the grandson of legendary head coach Phillip Fulmer, JP’s decision to join Tennessee was most likely never in doubt.
Peace may not be a highly-rated player (411 nationally per On3), but Tennessee’s coaching staff sees a lot of potential. According to Knoxville West Defensive Coordinator Baron Chandler, Peace is a “tremendously hard worker” who has transitioned from outside to inside linebacker, and he’s quickly adapting to the new position. He spends hours studying film, in the weight room, and running track to improve his speed and physicality. Chandler notes that Peace’s curiosity about the “why” behind techniques has helped with his growth. With guidance from his father, Robert, JP continues to learn the nuances of the position.
His versatility allows him to play both inside and outside linebacker, and his frame suggests room for further growth. As he continues to refine his technique, his ceiling will only continue to rise.
JP will start trying to recruit for the Class of 2027. He knows Cooper Witten, another Vol legacy of Jason Witten, and will try to get him to jump in the boat at some point. Cooper is ranked 19th nationally and the number 1 linebacker in the country according to On3.
Rick Barnes New Look Roster
The BasketVols are entering the 2025-26 season with a new-look team that includes some returning players and new quality talent from both high school and the portal. Barnes’s program is well-positioned to build on its record of back-to-back Elite Eight appearances and four consecutive seasons with 25 or more wins.
The roster has undergone significant changes, with only four scholarship players returning: senior center Felix Okpara, redshirt sophomore forward JP Estrella, junior forward Cade Phillips, and sophomore guard Bishop Boswell. Barnes & Co were strategic in adding players to fill out the roster. Tennessee added three transfers—point guard Ja’Kobi Gillespie from Maryland, guard Amaree Abram from Louisiana Tech, and power forward Jaylen Carey from Vanderbilt. They also brought in a strong high school recruiting class, headlined by Nate Ament, a five-star small forward and the No. 2 prospect in the 2025 class, according to On3. With the mix of returning players from last season, portal additions, and this most recent high school recruiting class, Tennessee is compiling a talented roster.
Assistant coach Amorrow Morgan, who joined from Florida State, has been pleasantly surprised with the players’ leadership and work-ethic. During early team interactions, he noted their determination on getting to the Final Four and contending for a national title. Assistant coach Steve McClain, previously with Texas, emphasized that the roster was built to sustain Tennessee’s winning culture without having a “rebuilding” year, despite the departure of six seniors.
The team’s chemistry and work ethic have already impressed the coaching staff. With a talented group of upperclassmen and newcomers, Rick Barnes will have quite the arsenal to make a deep postseason run.
Tennessee Football Recruiting Updates
So as a die-hard Tennessee fan, I’m always focused on the state of recruiting, and this final summer weekend recruiting visit prior to the dead-period is shaping up to be pivotal for Tennessee’s 2026 class. The Vols are hosting a loaded group of prospects, and the staff, led by Coach Heupel & Coach Chop are trying to do everything they can to lock up some of these guys. According to Volquest, there are around 17 recruits on campus this weekend, but I want to focus on some of the cornerstone players for this class.
First up, Savion Hiter, a five-star running back from Virginia, is the crown jewel of the weekend. Ranked as the No. 1 running back in the country by both On3 & 247, Hiter’s speed, burst, and vision make him a perfect fit for Tennessee’s running game. This is his fourth visit, and with Michigan as the main competition, the Vols need to deliver a home-run experience to lock this one down. The buzz from his 865 Live visit last month suggests Tennessee has a real shot, but the question is when he’ll decide. Heupel’s offense has always had a successful run game. Adding the #1 running back in the country would be scary for opposing defenses.
Brayden Rouse, a four-star linebacker, is another critical target. Texas made a strong push recently, but Tennessee’s long-standing relationship with Rouse and his family gives them an edge…we think. His tackling and sideline-to-sideline range could elevate the Vols’ defense, and this weekend’s visit is a chance to solidify their lead. If Coach Chop can close the deal, Rouse could be another cornerstone recruit.
Hezekiah Harris, an edge rusher committed to Auburn, is back in Knoxville, and the Vols are making a serious play to flip him. His length and pass-rushing ability align with Tennessee’s defensive scheme, and sources indicate some in his circle are pushing for the Vols. This visit could be pivotal in swaying him to Tennessee.
Craig Tutt, an Oakland defensive back, is a must-get for in-state recruiting. Ole Miss has momentum, but Tennessee’s pairing him with his previous teammate from Oakland High School this weekend, Duane Morris. Tutt’s ball skills and instincts would be a welcomed addition to the backend of Tennessee’s defense.
Offensive tackle Kamari Blair is in town, the 280th ranked prospect nationally according to On3. This would be a big win if Tennessee could seal the deal there.
Tristen Keys, the No. 1 WR in the country according to On3, seems to be a Tennessee lean despite his commitment to LSU. He will be back in Baton Rouge this weekend, so lets hope Tennessee can survive that visit.
Instate athlete Joel Wyatt, the #58 player nationally according to On3, has been pretty quiet about his recruitment. He is not in town this weekend, and Tennessee is pushing him to come in to play edge. Rumblings suggest Wyatt is looking for an opportunity to play on the offensive side of the ball, so we will see which way that one goes.
If the Vols can land even a few of these targets, the 2026 class could be Top 10 nationally.
Titans Players That Impressed This Offseason
Titans beat-writer, Jim Wyatt, provided a list of players that have impressed him so far this offseason.
With training camp set to kick off July 23rd after players report on July 22nd, the Titans staff seems pretty optimistic about this year’s roster. Several players have stepped up during the six OTAs and three minicamp practices. We will break down Jim’s standout performers.
Rookie quarterback Cam Ward has been turning heads with his poise and arm talent. Completing 65 of 96 passes (67.7%) in 7-on-7 and team drills during open practices, Ward’s leadership and maturity are apparent, despite a few interceptions. He looks to be tracking as the Titans starter come Week 1. Meanwhile, second-year right tackle JC Latham has transformed himself, losing over 30 pounds and earning praise as the team’s top lineman from offensive coordinator Nick Holz. His athleticism and switch to right tackle from left tackle could anchor the line.
Linebacker Cody Barton, a free-agent signing, has exceeded expectations, intercepting Ward twice and providing veteran guidance to a young defense. His leadership is already shaping the linebacker room. Tight end Chig Okonkwo has led all pass-catchers with 13 receptions in open practices. He seems to be developing some good chemistry with Ward.
The rookie receiver trio of Chimere Dike, Elic Ayomanor, and Xavier Restrepo also impressed, with Restrepo’s 11 catches leading the group. Veterans like Calvin Ridley are showing a lot of buy-in after the drafting of Ward. Running back Tyjae Spears has had some explosive runs and looks to be carving out a bigger role for himself. Defensively, Jeffery Simmons, despite limited offseason participation, has lost 20 pounds and looks to be geared toward another productive season, while safety Amani Hooker has looked very comfortable going into his seventh year.
Wyatt also called out Special Teams coordinator John Fassel. He has been injecting energy into a pretty reliable unit featuring Joey Slye, Johnny Hekker, and Morgan Cox.
We have seen that in today’s NFL, it is possible for a quick turnaround even with a rookie QB. When the Houston Texans drafted Ohio State QB CJ Stroud with the 2nd overall pick in 2023, Stroud let the Texans to a 10-7 season, winning the AFC South and advancing to the playoffs for the first time since 2019.
Last year, we saw the Washington Commanders draft QB Jayden Daniels with the 2nd overall pick, and he would go on to lead the Commanders to a 12-5 season. Washington eventually won their first playoff game since 2005, making it to the NFC Championship game before losing to the Eagles.
Now I’m not saying that Cam Ward is going to pull out a Stroud or Daniels type of season. All I am saying is that a quick turnaround with the right quarterback is possible.
Come September, we will see if Cam Ward and the Titans can quickly right the ship in Nashville.