Josh Heupel likely to absorb a loss to Shane Beamer, but it shouldn’t be too much of a surprise for Tennessee
Tennessee could be on the verge of losing a target they once were in a good spot with.
The Tennessee Vols have gained some momentum over the summer as they work to build their 2027 recruiting class. And they’ve done it with some connections close to home. They added Oak Ridge TE Malik Howard and DB Marcus Jones, nephew of former Tennessee WR Mark Jones.
However, Tennessee has looked south for one of the Palmetto State’s top players in Irmo, SC four-star OL Nate Carson. Tennessee got Carson in for a visit and was considered a frontrunner at one time for his services.
But now, according to Rivals insider Chad Simmons, it appears those hopes have faded away.
Recruiting insider says South Carolina is leader for Tennessee target OL Nate Carson
Carson checks in as the No. 221 overall player, No. 14 interior offensive lineman, and No. 5 player in the state of South Carolina for the 2027 cycle. The 6-4, 290-pound lineman holds offers from Ohio State, Miami, Florida, Georgia, LSU, Clemson, Alabama, Texas A&M, Oregon, and many other notable programs.
Tennessee got Carson on campus back in January for a visit during Tennessee’s Junior Day, and the Vols appeared to be near the top of the list then. However, South Carolina has closed strong ahead of a July 3 commitment date. The Gamecocks secured a big advantage by getting Carson on campus for an official visit on June 19, and it appears as though Shane Beamer could be close to keeping one of the best players in his state home.
Such is life in recruiting. Tennessee pulled off what now appears to be a coup in 2024, when they secured the commitment of Columbia WR Braylon Staley, who just a tremendous freshman year for the Vols last season. But sometimes, the hometown team is going to win. And if that happens on July 3, it’s on to the next one for Heupel and his staff.