Tennessee is intensifying its efforts to shape the 2027 football signing class, and the latest target is four‑star defensive end Antwan Jackson.
Jackson, a 6‑foot‑6, 240‑pound prospect from Collierville High School in Collierville, Tennessee, is ranked No. 29 among defensive ends nationwide and No. 17 in the state, according to 247Sports.
The Volunteers extended a scholarship to Jackson on November 16, 2025, after a series of impressive visits and early interest from a wide array of programs.
Jackson’s first scholarship offer came from Memphis on June 20, 2024, and since then he has added offers from Alabama, Ole Miss, Missouri, UT Martin, Liberty, Miami University, Toledo, LSU, Southern Miss, Georgia, Kentucky, Jacksonville State, Boston College, Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi State, Florida International, Texas A&M, Jackson State and Florida State.
The recruit has already experienced the atmosphere at Knoxville, having attended the Vols’ Orange & White Game on April 11, and he is scheduled to return on June 19 for an official visit that could prove pivotal in his decision.
Tennessee’s 2027 class is already anchored by seven commitments, a testament to the coaching staff’s ability to attract top talent despite a competitive national landscape.
A Recruiting Landscape in Flux
The field of potential suitors reflects the depth of Jackson’s skill set and the volatility of modern recruiting, where programs from the SEC to the Big Ten and beyond vie for his signature.
Analysts note that Jackson’s decision will likely hinge on factors such as coaching continuity, facility upgrades, and the perceived chance for early playing time.
If the Volunteers can convert this visit into a commitment, it would not only bolster the defensive line but also signal a broader resurgence in the program’s recruiting narrative.
The upcoming weeks will be closely watched by fans, analysts, and the schools involved, as Jackson’s choice could ripple through the 2027 rankings and reshape the balance of power in the region.