A Five-Star Addition to the Vols' 2027 Class
Tennessee football announced on Friday that Sam McKeown, a long snapper from Jenks, Oklahoma, has pledged to the university as part of its 2027 recruiting class. The commitment marks the ninth verbal pledge for the cycle and brings a five-star rating from Kohl’s, which lists him as the second-best long snapper in the country.
McKeown joins two other consensus four-star prospects — wide receiver Kesean Bowman and offensive lineman Princeton Uwaifo — who have already committed to the Vols. Defensive lineman Kadin Fife also carries a four-star rating on Rivals, adding depth to a class that blends elite talent with a number of three-star recruits across the board.
The Vols are currently positioned 32nd nationally and 10th within the SEC according to 247Sports, while Rivals places them 29th overall and 11th in the conference. These rankings reflect a recruiting strategy that emphasizes high‑upside players at key positions, from defensive backs to quarterbacks and linebackers.
Implications for the Program
Adding a top‑rated long snapper does more than fill a roster spot; it signals the coaching staff’s intent to compete for the best talent nationwide. The class, which also features athletes such as Brandon ‘Slim’ Leavell, Carter Jamison, Jaden Butler, Derrick Baker and JP Peace, is shaping up to be a cornerstone for future success.