While the class of 2026 is still being built, head coach Josh Heupel is making a move towards the future.
Reports show that Tennessee extended a scholarship offer to class of 2027 quarterback Malachi Zeigler on May 1, 2025.
In the early 2027 rankings, Zeigler lands as a four-star prospect. 247 Sports’ Composite Rankings have Zeigler as the No. 88 player in the class, the No. 10 quarterback, and the No. 6 player from the state of Louisiana.
Grateful for @MackScanlon spending time at our throwing session and for offering to @Vol_Football 🙏🏽🤝🏾@coachjoshheupel @LandryJones12 @RyanCallahan247 @shaynep_media @Brent_Hubbs @DamianDevon @fitnesskingWash @clarasales04 pic.twitter.com/cBiDpKqyFx
— Malachi Zeigler (@MalachiZeigler) May 2, 2025
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Zeigler already boasts a strong offer list that only projects to grow, too. The Benton, LA, native currently has 16 offers, including notable teams such as Michigan, Ole Miss, FSU, SMU, TCU, Mississippi State, Texas Tech, and Arkansas. He also has in-state offers from Louisiana and Louisiana Tech.
Zeigler is a multi-sport athlete who also plays baseball and basketball. The 6-foot-2.5, 205-pound quarterback threw for 997 yards, six touchdowns, and six interceptions in 2024, while also running for 555 yards and six scores during his sophomore season, according to 247’s Gabe Brooks.
There’s been a common trend with Tennessee’s quarterbacks lately, and that is size. Rising redshirt freshman Jake Merkling is 6-foot-3, true freshman George MacIntyre is 6-foot-6, and current five-star commit Faizon Brandon is 6-foot-3.5.
“Above average size with an impressive build at this early stage,” Brooks wrote in an evaluation of Zeigler for 247Sports in March. “Flashes a big arm in game situations and the elite camp circuit. Not only capable of pushing the ball vertically, but displays excellent short-to-intermediate velocity, and has done so in multiple live evaluations in Spring 2025. Also has shown accuracy and touch nuance to multiple levels. Ball gets out with conviction. Sophomore tape shows flashes of these traits, but the need for more consistent playmaking ability and production in pads. Capable runner who can extend plays to throw or gain chunk yardage as a scrambler.”
The Benton High School product hasn’t wasted much time getting to know programs, either. Zeigler has already taken unofficial visits to Notre Dame, Southern Cal, Texas A&M, Michigan, and Arkansas.
Early information around Malachi Zeigler’s recruitment suggests that he is a highly-touted prospect who will do his due diligence when it comes to visiting with coaches and programs. With his play on the field, he could also be a solid contender to rise up the rankings as he builds up his skills in his upcoming junior season.
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