Sam McKeown, a 6‑foot‑4, 225‑pound long snapper from Jenks, Oklahoma, announced his commitment to the University of Tennessee on Wednesday, choosing the Volunteers over the Oklahoma Sooners and a handful of other programs.
Ranked as the No. 2 long snapper in the 2027 class by Kohl's Professional Camps, McKeown said that Tennessee’s special teams coordinator Evan Crabtree and head coach Josh Heupel were instrumental in his decision, noting that they "believed in him" from the outset.
The pledge brings the total number of verbal commitments to Tennessee’s 2027 class to nine, a list that already features in‑state standouts such as four‑star prospects Kesean Bowman and Princeton Uwaifo, as well as four‑star defensive lineman Kadin Fife.
McKeown’s decision also coincides with a broader shift in how SEC programs are treating specialists. Beginning with the 2026 season, scholarships can be awarded to punters and kickers, a rule change that the conference approved after SEC presidents voted to raise the scholarship limit from 85 to 105.
Analysts say the move could reshape roster construction across the league, giving teams more flexibility in building special‑teams units that can impact field position and game outcomes.