As Tennessee looks to build up its 2027 recruiting class, the Vols look to have their eyes on a skilled wide receiver from New Orleans. Tennessee appears to be targeting four-star receiver Miguel Whitley and made a big step in the right direction on Monday.
According to a report from Rivals, Tennessee has landed in Whitley’s list of five finalists. The other programs in the running include Ohio State, LSU, Ole Miss, and Houston.
Rivals’ Top 300 recruiting rankings list Whitley as the No. 46 player in the nation and the No. 7 receiver in the 2027 recruiting cycle. He’s also ranked as a four-star prospect.
Aside from being a breakout star on the gridiron, the six-foot receiver is also a competitor on St. Augustine’s track & field team.
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Tennessee and receivers coach Kelsey Pope have done well recruiting the wide receiver position in recent years. The Vols signed five-star WR Tristen Keys and four-star WR Tyreek King in the 2026 class, four-star receivers Travis Smith Jr. and Radarious Jackson in the 2025 class, and four-stars Mike Matthews and Braylon Staley in the 2024 class. Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel credited Pope with the ability make strong connections on the recruiting trail during his signing day press conference in December.
Tennessee currently has four players committed to its 2027 class, which ranks 16th in Rivals’ Industry Team Rankings. Tennessee currently has commitments from four-star OT Princeton Uwaifo, four-star defensive lineman Kadin Fife, three-star linebacker JP Peace, and three-star cornerback Kamauri Whitfield.
Here’s a look at some of Whitley’s playmaking ability from his junior year of high school:
