Tennessee football is one of the final four schools in the mix for one of the top linebackers in the 2027 class. Kenneth Simon II listed the Vols alongside Alabama, Texas A&M and Ole Miss, according to 247.
Tennessee has a unique advantage in his recruitment, as well. Not only is Simon initially from Knoxville, playing from Bearden before transferring to Brentwood Academy, but his father was an elite linebacker himself at UT. Kevin Simon was a two-time All-SEC member with the Vols from 2001-05 before beginning his NFL career.
Kenneth Simon II ranks as the No. 196 player in the 2027 class, according to 247. He is the No. 11 linebacker and No. 8 player from the state of Tennessee, as well.
Top247 LB Kenneth Simon II, an elite talent from the 2027 class and recent participant in the 2026 Navy All-American Bowl, is down to 4 finalists.
AdvertisementAlabama, Texas A&M, Tennessee, Ole Miss.
He discussed them with 247Sports: https://t.co/4JfgLhThFA (VIP)@247Sports / @K2simon2 pic.twitter.com/Eo37fwN1bf
— Tom Loy (@TomLoy247) January 27, 2026
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“Modern 3-4 linebacker projection with the athleticism, physicality and awareness to play all three downs,” 247 director of scouting Andrew Ivins wrote. “Began prep career as a safety, but got more and more snaps in the box as a junior for a Brentwood Academy squad that captured a Tennessee Division II-AA championship. Displays impressive downhill thrust as he shoots forward and closes gaps. Swiftly changes directions from a second-level perch and takes sharp angles to the football. Tends to come to balance as a tackler and will try to explode through contact. Can be dangerous on the blitz with his get-off and will dip around tackles…”
Tennessee already holds four commitments in the 2027 class. This includes four-star tackle Princeton Uwaifo, four-star defensive lineman Kadin Fife, three-star linebacker JP Peace and three-star cornerback Kamauri Whitfield. The class is still young, though, and plenty more commitments are expected to trickle in over the next year.
Tennessee is coming off an extremely strong 2026 class, as well. The Vols landed 29 commitments in the class, with 27 signed in the early signing period and two local prospects committing last week. This was headlined by a trio of five-star prospects, quarterback Faizon Brandon, wide receiver TK Keys and offensive tackle Gabriel Osenda. The group ranks fifth in the country on 247.
