Shane Beamer and the South Carolina football program appear to be trying to poach one of Tennessee’s commitments in the 2027 recruiting cycle. According to a report from 247Sports’ Tom Loy on Thursday, the Gamecocks have extended a scholarship offer to class of 2027 quarterback Derrick Baker.
Baker committed to Tennessee on Feb. 11, 2026. Along with UT, he held offers from the likes of Auburn, Florida State, Indiana, Kentucky, Miami, Mississippi State, Ohio State, Ole Miss, and plenty more. You can now add the South Carolina Gamecocks to that list.
247Sports has Baker ranked as a three-star prospect, the No. 52 quarterback in the class, and the No. 106 player from the state of Georgia. While the rankings might not exactly jump off the page yet, don’t be surprised if his ranking begins to rise as the class matures and enters the spotlight. The 6-foot-1 quarterback out of Milton High School in Alpharetta, GA, has been a rising star in different offseason camps and tournaments and continues to put his name on the map.
Back in early March, Baker helped lead his 7-on-7 team to the 18U Division championship in ‘The Sevens’ tournament. He played for former Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton’s team in the event. Then, just a week later, Baker put together a strong performance in an Elite 11 workout in Atlanta.
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There has been an interesting development since Loy’s report on Thursday afternoon, though. On Friday morning, Rivals reported that South Carolina landed a commitment from three-star quarterback Jerry Meyer III in the 2027 class. Meyer ranks as the No. 72 overall quarterback in the class, which is 20 spots higher than Baker’s listing.
According to 247, Baker transferred to Milton from St. Thomas Aquinas before his junior season in 2025. He didn’t play much as a junior, though, due to being sidelined with an injury. Prior to his injury, he threw for 88 yards and ran for 78 yards in a loss to Buford High School.
Baker was on Rocky Top for a visit during Tennessee’s spring camp workouts on March 25. He also appears to be set to return to Knoxville for an official visit on June 5.
Baker is one of six commitments in Tennessee’s 2027 recruiting class, alongside four-star wide receiver Kesean Bowman, four-star offensive tackle Princeton Uwaifo, three-star defensive lineman Kadin Fife, three-star safety/athlete Jaden Butler, and three-star linebacker JP Peace.
Tennessee 2027 QB commit @derrickbakerQb1 working at the Elite 11 today in Atlanta.
They don’t build QBs like that. Not just anymore. Never.
He should have a big senior year with @CoachBenReaves and @OCCoachJack at Milton. 🎬 pic.twitter.com/71WOKcl2Uv
— Jeff Sentell (@jeffsentell) March 7, 2026
