Tennessee football has turned up the heat on the recruiting trail, with Josh Heupel adding elite talent to the roster over the past few seasons. Now, the attention is turning to the 2027 class as that group prepares for its senior seasons.
One of the top players available, five-star edge rusher Anthony Sweeney, has narrowed down his list to a top 12. This included the Vols, alongside South Carolina, Georgia, Oregon, Auburn, Alabama, Ole Miss, Texas A&M, LSU, Miami, Maryland and Texas Tech, according to On3.
Sweeney is ranked as the No. 18 player in the 2027 class on 247 Composite. He is the No. 3 edge rusher and No. 1 player from Mayrland in the cycle, as well. He is from Olney, Maryland, and plays for Our Lady of Good Counsel.
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Sweeney picked up his UT offer in January of 2025. He made his way to Knoxville for a game day visit during the season, attending the Vols’ loss to Oklahoma. He also made the trip over the summer.
“Long-levered edge defender with some natural twitch that can dip and build speed as he turns the corner,” 247 director of scouting Andrew Ivins wrote. “On the lighter side now, but has a very projectable frame with his 35-inch arms and should eventually be able to carry 255 pounds or so. Tends to win with effort and energy as he crosses tackles and cycles his way into rush paths. Improved strength between sophomore and junior campaigns, but still needs to find some shuck power as he can struggle to disengage once opponents get a hold of him. Active in pursuit and will look to clean up the trash while patrolling the cleat line.”
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.
