As Tennessee football prepares for the Music City Bowl clash with Illinois, it is also getting into a recruiting battle with the Illini. Illinois four-star quarterback Kamden Lopati is ‘intrigued’ after picking up a recent offer from the Vols, according to Rivals.
Lopati is the No. 151 recruit in the 2027 class, according to 247 Composite. He is the No. 14 quarterback in the class and No. 3 player out of Utah. He currently plays for West in Salt Lake City.
“With Tennessee being in the SEC, I’m definitely curious about them and want to learn more about their program,” Lopati said in the Rivals report.
Lopati landed his offer on Wednesday, Dec. 17, after a conversation with head coach Josh Heupel and offensive coordinator and quarterback coach Joey Halzle.
After a great conversation with @coachjoshheupel and @CoachHalzle. I am grateful and humble to have been offered by the University of Tennessee. #GOVOLS @coachsolovi @westpanthersfb @Andy_Pham1 @BrandonHuffman @BlairAngulo @GregBiggins @SWiltfong_ @adamgorney @Rivals @On3sports… pic.twitter.com/gH0odkx2mi
— Kamden Lopati (@CowboyKamden) December 18, 2025
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“Lopati is one of the top quarterbacks in the national ’27 class,” 247 analyst Greg Biggins wrote. “He has a linebacker build but is all quarterback and one of the best pure throwers in the region. For his size, he moves well and shows some real dual-threat ability. Threw for over 3,000 yards and 30 touchdowns as a sophomore with just four interceptions and does a nice job protecting the football, while still taking his shots in the vertical passing game. Moves well in the pocket and shows the quickness to get outside and elude the rush and throws very well on the run…”
The Vols currently hold four commitments in the 2027 cycle. This is headlined by in-state offensive lineman Princeton Uwaifo. He ranks as the No. 110 player in the country and holds four-star status, via 247. Three-star commitments in the boat so far include defensive lineman Kadin Fife, cornerback Kamauri Whitfield and linebacker JP Peace. The group ranks as the No. 13 class in the country on 247.
Josh Heupel just inked one of the best classes in the country for the 2026 cycle, as well. His signing class clocks in as the No. 5 group in the country on 247, including signings of a trio of five-star prospects. While the Vols lost the signing of four-star athlete Legend Bey on Tuesday, there are still plenty of dynamic options that have signed to fill his role.
