Volunteers Aim to Strengthen Special Teams in Second Year Under Crabtree
Tennessee Volunteers are reshaping their special teams for the upcoming season, bringing in fresh talent and veteran stability under coordinator Evan Crabtree.
Jul 5, 2026
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Evan Crabtree
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Four-star kicker Ford Fehling commits to Tennessee Volunteers
Ford Fehling, a four-star kicker from Waxhaw, North Carolina, announced his commitment to the University of Tennessee on June 9, 2026, after a recruiting journey that also featured interest from Iowa and Coastal Carolina. The Vols’ special teams coordinator Evan Crabtree served as the primary recruiter, guiding Fehling through a camp experience that highlighted his leg strength and precision. Head coach Josh Heupel welcomed the addition, noting that Fehling’s skill set aligns with the program’s long-term vision. Ranked No. 42 nationally among the class of 2027, Fehling arrives as one of sixteen pledges and joins longsnapper Sam McKeown, the top-ranked long-snapper in the country. At the 2025 Kohl’s National Scholarship Camp, he posted a 92.35-point punt rating, a 44-yard ball with 4.21 seconds of hang time, and a 108.83-point kickoff score, earning a four-star rating on Kohl’s Kicking. His high school, Marvin Ridge, has prepared him for the next level, and his family’s support has been a constant throughout the process. The commitment underscores Tennessee’s growing momentum in the 2027 recruiting cycle, a cycle that also sees the arrival of specialists like McKeown, who hails from Jenks, Oklahoma.
Jun 22, 2026
Sam McKeown Commits to Tennessee Volunteers as Nation’s No. 2 Long Snapper
Sam McKeown, rated the nation's second-best long snapper, announced his commitment to the Tennessee Volunteers, citing personal connections and a promise to support the fanbase.
May 25, 2026
Sam McKeown Commits to Tennessee Over Oklahoma in 2027 Recruiting Class
Six‑foot‑four long snapper Sam McKeown chose the Volunteers over his home‑state Sooners, citing the influence of Coach Josh Heupel and coordinator Evan Crabtree. His pledge reflects a broader trend of awarding scholarships to specialists as the SEC expands its scholarship limit.
May 23, 2026
Sam McKeown Commits to Tennessee Football as SEC Expands Scholarship Limits
Sam McKeown, a top-ranked long snapper from Jenks, Oklahoma, announced his commitment to the University of Tennessee, a decision that aligns with the SEC's new 105‑player scholarship model. His pledge marks the ninth verbal commitment in Tennessee's 2027 recruiting class and highlights a broader trend reshaping how college programs evaluate specialists.
May 23, 2026