Tennessee football has made the latest cut for one of the top in-state players in the 2027 class. On Monday, four-star athlete Tae Walden Jr. listed the Vols alongside Oregon, Auburn, Georgia, Missouri, LSU, Ohio State, Clemson, Notre Dame and Ole Miss, according to Hayes Fawcett.
Walden ranks as the No. 63 overall player in the 2027 class, via 247. He is the No. 3 athlete in the nation and No. 3 overall player from the state of Tennessee.
Walden is from Collierville in the western portion of the state, just outside of Memphis. He plays for Collierville High School. He is the son of former NFL and MTSU linebacker Erik Walden.
Listed as an athlete, Walden plays both wide receiver and cornerback. He’ll have the opportunity to play either position at the next level. His primary recruiter being Kelsey Pope at UT suggests he’s being recruited as a receiver with the Vols, though.
NEWS: Four-Star WR Tae Walden Jr. is down to 10 Schools, he tells me for @Rivals
The 6’2 175 WR from Memphis, TN is ranked as a Top 5 Recruit in Tennessee (per Rivals)
Where Should He Go? ⬇️https://t.co/Q2ykZASmRT pic.twitter.com/YLBwi2ObDP
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) April 7, 2026
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“Talented perimeter playmaker that has opinions split on where the ceiling is highest: wide receiver or defensive back,” 247 director of scouting Andrew Ivins wrote. “Checks box after box with his long frame, track speed, NFL bloodlines and monster three-phase production. Pairs impressive instincts with excellent short-area quickness and high-end ball skills … on both sides of the ball…”
Currently, Tennessee holds six commitments in the 2027 class. This features a trio of highly-touted four-stars. Headlining is in-state wide receiver, Kesean Bowman. He is a top-50 prospect and one of the top pass catchers in the class. In-state offensive tackle Princeton Uwaifo and defensive lineman Kadin Fife are also highly ranked.
