
Tennessee football is one of the final five schools in the mix for one of the top linebackers in the 2027 class. Earlier this week, four-star backer Roman Igwebuike named the Vols, Indiana, Clemson, Missouri and Notre Dame as his finalists, according to Rivals.
This is a trim from the 12 schools he announced he’s focused on in Feburary. He cut Miami, USC, Georgia, Michigan, Ohio State, Florida and Ole Miss from his list as he really narrows in.
Igwebuike is ranked as the No. 149 player in the nation, according to 247 Composite. The site also lists him as the No. 13 linebacker and No. 8 player from Illinois in the cycle.
The 6-foot-3, 229-pound linebacker will now take a look at each of his finalists on an official visit. The date of his UT official isn’t public yet, but he did take an unofficial as recently as April 11 for the Orange & White Game.
NEWS: Four-Star LB Roman Igwebuike is down to 5 Schools, he tells me for @Rivals
The 6’3 229 LB is ranked as the No. 1 LB in the state of Illinois (per Rivals)
He’s locked in official visits to each of his finalists https://t.co/MVbwvEKO8p pic.twitter.com/ZMxMO18Spq
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) May 7, 2026
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Igwebuike’s primary recruiter with the Vols is William Inge. Entering his third season as the team’s linebacker coach, Inge has had immense success on the recruiting trail. This includes landing the commitments of highly-touted backers Brayden Rouse and TJ White this past cycle.
Currently, Tennessee holds seven commitments in the 2027 class. This features a trio of highly-touted four-stars. Headlining is in-state wide receiver, Kesean Bowman. He is a top-50 prospect and one of the top pass catchers in the class. In-state offensive tackle Princeton Uwaifo and defensive lineman Kadin Fife are also highly ranked.
Three-stars in the class are quarterback Derrick Baker, athlete Jaden Butler, in-state legacy linebacker JP Peace and defensive back Carter Jamison. Currently, this group is ranked inside the top-25 on both 247 and Rivals for the 2027 cycle.

