Tennessee Vols in mix for elite 2027 in-state wide receiver, son of former NFL player

Tae Walden Jr. is a top-ranked recruit in Tennessee and has the Vols among his top 10 schools.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 12:04pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a football player in motion, their body broken down into overlapping geometric planes of bright orange, blue, and green hues.A cubist interpretation of a rising star wide receiver, his explosive athleticism deconstructed into dynamic geometric shapes.Memphis Today

The Tennessee Vols are reportedly among the top 10 schools for 2027 four-star wide receiver Tae Walden Jr. Walden is the son of former NFL linebacker Erik Walden, who spent 10 years in the league. Walden is rated as the No. 19 wide receiver in the nation and the No. 4 player in the state of Tennessee by Rivals.

Why it matters

Landing top in-state talent is crucial for the Tennessee Vols as they look to build a championship-caliber program. Walden is considered one of the elite prospects in the 2027 class, so his recruitment will be closely watched by both the Vols and their SEC rivals.

The details

Walden, a 6-foot-2, 165-pound wide receiver from Collierville, Tennessee, included Tennessee in his top 10 schools along with Oregon, Auburn, Georgia, Missouri, LSU, Ohio State, Clemson, Notre Dame, and Ole Miss. The Vols are recruiting him as a wide receiver, though he could also play cornerback at the college level.

  • Walden released his top 10 schools list in April 2026.

The players

Tae Walden Jr.

A 2027 four-star wide receiver from Collierville, Tennessee, who is ranked as the No. 19 wide receiver in the nation and the No. 4 player in the state of Tennessee by Rivals.

Erik Walden

Tae Walden Jr.'s father, a former NFL linebacker who spent 10 years in the league after playing college football at Middle Tennessee State.

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What they’re saying

“Tennessee, I'd say [I like] the way they run things, for sure. I got to sit in some of those meetings last year, and I like the offense they've got. And I can for sure see myself playing on Rocky Top.”

— Tae Walden Jr., 2027 four-star wide receiver

What’s next

Walden will continue to evaluate his options and is expected to make a decision on his college commitment sometime in 2027 before his senior season of high school.

The takeaway

The recruitment of Tae Walden Jr. is a key priority for the Tennessee Vols as they look to keep top in-state talent home and build a championship-caliber roster. His connection to the program through his father's NFL career adds an interesting dynamic to his recruitment.