Kenneth Simon II, a four-star linebacker from Brentwood Academy in Tennessee, has turned heads by flipping his verbal commitment from Alabama to the University of Tennessee for the 2027 signing class.
The recruitment journey
The 6-foot-2, 210-pound prospect is ranked No. 9 among linebackers in his class by 247Sports, a ranking that reflects both his size and his on-field production.
Simon’s father, Kevin Simon, earned All-SEC honors as a linebacker for the Vols between 2001 and 2005, giving the younger Simon a familial tie to the program that ultimately played a pivotal role in his decision.
The recruitment saga unfolded over several months. Alabama first extended an offer to Simon on September 3, 2025, and he verbally pledged to the Crimson Tide on May 11. Just a day later, Tennessee’s staff offered a scholarship, and the Vols have now secured his pledge.
Simon has visited the Knoxville campus eight times unofficially, allowing him to experience the atmosphere and connect with coaches. His list of suitors also includes Kentucky, Louisville, Florida State, Purdue — the first school to offer him a scholarship — and a host of other programs ranging from Nebraska and Auburn to Notre Dame and Texas A&M.
Tennessee’s 2027 class now boasts 14 verbal commitments, positioning the Vols as an early contender in a recruiting cycle that will stretch into the next two years.
Kevin Simon’s tenure at Tennessee not only provided a personal connection but also gave Kenneth a front-row view of the program’s culture, which he cited as a decisive factor when weighing his options.
The decision underscores how legacy, personal relationships, and extensive campus exposure can outweigh traditional power-house allure, a narrative that resonates with many top prospects.