One of Tennessee’s biggest splashes of this recruiting cycle came when the Vols flipped four-star linebacker Kenneth Simon II away from Alabama’s class and into UT’s class. Not only did it keep a talented player away from one of Tennessee’s annual rivals, but it also kept an in-state legacy prospect inside the Vols’ program.
Simon is the son of former Tennessee standout Kevin Simon, who was a UT linebacker from 2001 to 2005. He was a two-time Second Team All-SEC selection during his time in Knoxville (2003, 2005), and was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the seventh round of the 2006 NFL Draft.
Following Simon’s flip on June 13, he took an official visit to Knoxville this past weekend. On Wednesday, Simon showed off some of the highlights from his trip to Rocky Top.
Yfm🙂↕️ pic.twitter.com/5CByFBorrc
— Kenneth Simon ll (@K2simon2) June 24, 2026
More From RTI: College Football Writer Tags Tennessee With Fourth Best Linebacker Group in the SEC
Kenneth Simon ranks as the No. 138 player in the class, the No. 11 linebacker in the cycle, and the No. 6 player from the Volunteer State, according to Rivals’ Industry Rankings. He’s now the Vols’ second-highest rated commitment in the 2027 cycle, behind fellow Nashville prospect Kesean Bowman (WR).
Simon and Bowman both attend Brentwood Academy in Nashville, TN. Simon originally began his high school career at Bearden High School in Knoxville before transferring to Brentwood Academy in 2025. The duo helped lead their team to a 12-0 season and the TSSAA Division II-AA championship this past season.
“Modern 3-4 linebacker projection with the athleticism, physicality, and awareness to play all three downs,” 247Sports’ Andrew Ivins writes in an evaluation. “…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… Dangerous on the blitz with his get-off and bend.”
Tennessee Football’s 16-man recruiting class currently ranks 32nd in the nation, according to Rivals.
