Tennessee Football in Top 10 For Elite In-State Versatile Athlete Recruit

Four-star athlete Tae Walden Jr. lists Tennessee among his top 10 schools.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 5:29pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a football player in motion, broken down into overlapping geometric shapes and planes in shades of orange, white, and navy blue.A conceptual illustration captures the dynamic athleticism and versatility of top Tennessee recruit Tae Walden Jr.Memphis Today

Tennessee football has made the top 10 list for one of the top in-state players in the 2027 recruiting class. Four-star athlete Tae Walden Jr., ranked as the No. 63 overall player and No. 3 athlete in the country, has included the Vols among his top 10 schools along with Oregon, Auburn, Georgia, Missouri, LSU, Ohio State, Clemson, Notre Dame, and Ole Miss.

Why it matters

Landing elite in-state talent is crucial for the Tennessee football program as they look to build on their recent success and compete for SEC and national championships. Walden is considered one of the top overall prospects in the state and would be a major addition to the Vols' 2027 recruiting class.

The details

Walden, who plays both wide receiver and cornerback for Collierville High School, is the son of former NFL and MTSU linebacker Erik Walden. Tennessee is recruiting him as a receiver, with wide receivers coach Kelsey Pope serving as his primary recruiter. Walden is ranked as the No. 3 overall player in Tennessee and the No. 3 athlete nationally in the 2027 class.

  • On Monday, April 7, 2026, Tae Walden Jr. announced his top 10 school list.

The players

Tae Walden Jr.

A four-star athlete from Collierville, Tennessee, ranked as the No. 63 overall player and No. 3 athlete in the 2027 recruiting class.

Erik Walden

Tae Walden Jr.'s father, a former NFL and MTSU linebacker.

Kelsey Pope

Tennessee's wide receivers coach, who is serving as the primary recruiter for Tae Walden Jr.

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What they’re saying

“'Talented perimeter playmaker that has opinions split on where the ceiling is highest: wide receiver or defensive back. Checks box after box with his long frame, track speed, NFL bloodlines and monster three-phase production. Pairs impressive instincts with excellent short-area quickness and high-end ball skills … on both sides of the ball…'”

— Andrew Ivins, 247 director of scouting

What’s next

Tennessee will look to host Tae Walden Jr. for an official visit in the coming months as they aim to secure a commitment from the elite in-state prospect.

The takeaway

Tennessee's ability to land top in-state talent like Tae Walden Jr. will be crucial to the program's continued success and competitiveness in the SEC. Securing a commitment from Walden would be a major recruiting win for the Vols.