Tennessee football has lost out on the commitment of one of its priority linebacker targets to arguably its top rival. On Monday, four-star backer Kenneth Simon II picked Alabama over the Vols, Georgia and Ole Miss.
What makes the loss on the recruiting trail sting even more is Simon’s obvious connection to UT. Not only is he an in-state recruit, but he’s the son of a former Vols standout linebacker, Kevin Simon.
Kenneth Simon II ranks as a four-star prospect, via 247. He is the No. 132 recruit in the country, No. 7 linebacker and No. 6 player from the state of Tennessee. He plays for Brentwood Academy outside Nashville. 2025 was his first year with BA, though, after starting his high school career in Knoxville with Bearden.
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“Modern 3-4 linebacker projection with the athleticism, physicality and awareness to play all three downs,” 247 director of scouting Andrew Ivins wrote. “Began prep career as a safety, but got more and more snaps in the box as a junior for a Brentwood Academy squad that captured a Tennessee Division II-AA championship. Displays impressive downhill thrust as he shoots forward and closes gaps…”
Ivins also compared Kenneth Simon II to Junior Colson of the Los Angeles Chargers. Colson was a two-time All-Big Ten selection and national champion with Michigan before starting his NFL career as a third-round pick.
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.
