The University of Tennessee has added three new players to its 2027 recruiting class, signaling a continued push to reshape the roster for the coming years.
Four-star tight end Malik Howard, a native of Oak Ridge, announced his pledge on Tuesday, joining a group that also includes junior college defensive lineman Christian Mays and three-star defensive back Dylan Haley.
Rising Talent in the 2027 Class
The commitments have moved the Vols to a 39th overall spot in the national 247Sports composite and a tenth-place ranking within the SEC, while Rivals places them at 32nd nationally and also tenth in the conference.
Howard, listed as the eighth-best tight end in Tennessee by 247Sports, brings a blend of size and athleticism that coaches say could anchor the offense. Haley, ranked No. 55 among athletes and No. 84 overall in Georgia, adds depth to the secondary, and Mays, though unranked by the major services, arrives from Northeast Mississippi Community College with a reputation for disruptive play.
The trio illustrates the varied pathways the Vols are targeting, from high-school standouts to junior-college transfers, as the program seeks to bolster depth across both lines and the receiving corps.
With the new class taking shape, the coaching staff is already mapping out how these pieces fit into the broader scheme, hoping the early commitments will attract additional talent as the recruiting cycle progresses.
The rankings reflect a competitive landscape, but the Vols’ ability to secure a top-ten spot in the SEC underscores the impact of recent recruiting efforts.