Tennessee is actively shaping its 2028 football signing class, a group that currently has no verbal commitments but is already generating significant buzz across the nation.
At the center of the conversation is Antijuan Wilkes Jr., a five‑star offensive tackle who graduated from Cass Technical High School in Detroit, Michigan. Rivals ranks him as the No. 2 tackle in the nation and the top player in Michigan, while On3 places him among the elite prospects of the 2028 cycle.
Wilkes' Recruitment Timeline
Wilkes announced his top 12 schools in early February, naming Tennessee alongside a mix of traditional powerhouses and emerging contenders. The Vols extended a scholarship to him on May 5, but the recruit has yet to set foot on campus for an official visit.
The recruitment trajectory began earlier, when Kent State became the first program to offer Wilkes on March 20, 2025. Since then, a wide array of schools have followed suit, including Western Michigan, Toledo, Bowling Green, Indiana, Miami University, Southern Miss, Pittsburgh, Florida International, Wisconsin, Ohio, Nebraska, California, Purdue, Virginia Tech, Penn State, Kentucky, Iowa State, Illinois and UCLA.
While the 2028 class remains open, Tennessee already boasts eight commitments in its 2027 cohort, illustrating a sustained pipeline of talent. The absence of a 2028 pledge so far reflects both the competitive nature of the market and the careful deliberation that top prospects like Wilkes undertake.
Analysts from On3 and Rivals frequently cite the Vols' strategic positioning, noting that the program's recent on‑field improvements and facility upgrades have helped it remain a serious contender for elite talent. As the recruiting landscape evolves, Tennessee's ability to maintain dialogue with players like Wilkes could prove pivotal in shaping the next era of Vol football.