Tennessee football has done a fantastic job recruiting the quarterback position under Josh Heupel. On the upcoming roster, it’ll be a quarterback battle that will feature two of his top recruits, four-star George MacIntyre and five-star Faizon Brandon.
As the Vols turn the page to the 2027 class, there are a few quarterbacks that Josh Heupel and his staff are targeting. One of whom is Israel Abrams, one of the top-ranked quarterbacks in the class.
On Tuesday morning, Heupel and offensive coordinator Joey Halzle went to check in on Abrams. They saw him in Arlington Heights, Illinois, at his Montini Catholic High School.
Thank you @coachjoshheupel and @CoachHalzle for taking the time to come see me @MontiniFootball . Appreciate y’all @Vol_Football @Vol_Sports @CoachHo @EDGYTIM @scottybscout @TrustTrost @offsznbrand @AllenTrieu @SWiltfong_ @TomLoy247 @RivalsHS @247recruiting @MaxPreps @DeepDishFB… pic.twitter.com/nGz9o6leJv
Advertisement— Israel Abrams 4⭐️ (@israelabramsqb7) January 27, 2026
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Abrams is considered the No. 22 player in the 2027 class and 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.
Other programs that have shown up to check in on Abrams this month include Purdue, Kansas State, Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan State, Rutgers and Auburn. 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.
