The Tennessee Vols have reportedly ‘faded’ for a 4-star recruit they were previously the favorites to land
The Tennessee Volunteers appear to no longer be in the mix for an elite 2027 four-star recruit that they were previously the favorites to land this offseason.
Entering the spring months, the Tennessee Vols were viewed as the team to beat for 2027 four-star safety Ta’Shawn Poole.
Tennessee, in fact, had reportedly “separated themselves from the pack.”
“Since late 2025, the Vols have steadily built momentum, and heading into the spring, they have separated themselves from the pack,” wrote On3’s Chad Simmons in February.
Poole is getting closer to a decision, and Tennessee is among his top three schools — along with Georgia and Florida State — but the Vols have reportedly “faded” in this recruiting battle.
“This recruitment for four-star safety Ta’Shawn Poole is down to Florida State, Georgia and Tennessee,” reported Simmons this week. “… Tennessee was the early favorite, but the Vols have faded. The Seminoles and Bulldogs are battling late, with a source close to this feeling like Kirby Smart‘s program has the edge.
Poole, 6-foot-2/185 pounds from Macon, GA, is rated in 247Sports’ composite rankings as the No. 5 safety in the nation and the No. 68 overall player in the 2027 recruiting class.
The Vols recently landed a commitment from 2027 four-star safety Marcus Jones, so it’s not like Tennessee came up empty in their hunt for a premier safety in the 2027 recruiting class.