After missing out on the top-ranked running back in the 2026 class, Savion Hiter, Tennessee football is turning the page to 2027’s best back. According to Hayes Fawcett, the Vols are one of the top schools after Kemon Spell, a current Penn State commit.
Also attempting to force a flip from the Nittany Lions are Ohio State, USC, Alabama, Notre Dame and Michigan. Fawcett reports that he will take a game day visit to each of these schools this fall, including Tennessee. The first of the string is to see the Buckeyes.
Spell is considered the top running back and No. 9 overall recruit in the 2027 class, according to 247 composite rankings. He is out of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, and is the top player out of the state. He stands at just 5-foot-9, but is already 205 pounds.
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“A mix between a tank and a jackrabbit, which is an extremely difficult combination to tackle,” 247 director of scouting Andrew Ivins wrote in April. “A naturally low-to-the-ground runner with true workhorse capabilities as he constantly bounces off defenders or cuts around them to find extra yardage. Spent much of sophomore campaign deployed as a fullback in a Wing-T offense. Ran absolutely wild in Pennsylvania’s WPIAL Class 4A playoffs with 280-yard and 274-yard rushing performances. Not a true burner, but can hit the gas when a crease opens up. Frequently thrashes forward at the first sign of contact and almost always seems to be falling forward. Tested reasonably well as a ninth grader at the National Combine in San Antonio and has impressed as a pass catcher on the offseason camp circuit. Fits the bill of a hard-nosed football player given the physicality he also flashes on defense while doubling as a cornerback. Must avoid setbacks, but projects as a potential impact player for a College Football Playoff contender that can move the chains while facing stacked boxes.”
Spell was initially offered by Tennessee in February of this year. This came after a conversation with Brooks Halsey, who is now at Indiana as the Assistant Director of Player Personnel. This was after his commitment to Penn State. He committed to the Nittany Lions on Aug. 2 of 2024.
Tennessee holds just one commitment in the 2027 class to this point. The Vols landed local West High School legacy prospect J.P. Peace. The 6-foot-3 linebacker is a three-star recruit, according to 247. He committed on June 16 of this year to make UT the No. 31 class in the cycle to this point.
