After landing five-star Faizon Brandon in the 2026 cycle, Josh Heupel and Tennessee football are looking to land another big name in the 2027 cycle. One of the top targets that has emerged on the board is Israel Abrams. Heupel and offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Joey Halzle even paid him a visit at his high school last week.
However, it appears Abrams is trending elsewhere, instead. Not only is it an SEC opponent that Rivals’ Steve Wiltfong and Greg Smith logged expert predictions for him to land at, but it’s Alex Golesh’s Auburn program. Golesh is in his first year with the Tigers and previously spent time at UT as Heupel’s offensive coordinator.
Abrams is considered the No. 22 player in the 2027 class and the No. 2 quarterback by 247. This is good for a four-star rating at the moment, but if he holds onto a spot inside the top-22, he’d become a five-star by the end of the cycle.
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Along with Tennessee and Auburn, other programs that have shown up to check in on Abrams this month include Purdue, Kansas State, Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan State, Rutgers, Florida State and Iowa. Halzle also took a trip to see him at his home back at the beginning of the month. He’s taken visits to Purdue and Auburn this month, as well.
“Well-built frame throughout and an elastic mover for his size,” 247 analyst Cooper Petagna wrote. “Not exceptionally twitchy but shows the ability to consistently avoid pressure and extend plays with his feet. Plays with adequate footwork but has a tendency to rely on his upper body as a passer. Over-the-top release point, not the smoothest, but effective and gets the ball out quickly enough. Displays above average to good arm strength. Past camp context shows a QB who could develop well as a drive-ball thrower. Has some natural gamer to him in his play style…”
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.
