Head coach Josh Heupel returns to the sideline during a game against Kentucky at Neyland Stadium. Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024. Cole Moore/RTI
Tennessee football has recruited elite quarterbacks in Josh Heupel’s tenure. For example, arriving this year as a true freshman is Faizon Brandon, a five-star prospect and the No. 3 recruit in the country, according to 247.
With the Vols recently landing three-star quarterback Derrick Baker in the 2027 class, UT is turning its attention at the position to the 2028 cycle. Now, Heupel and company are attempting to reel in the biggest fish, five-star signal caller Jayden Wade.
According to a report from Chad Simmons of Rivals, Tennessee and LSU are both making pushes for Wade. The hurdle is that he is currently committed to Georgia, though, and has been since November. After the report broke, Wade posted a photo of UGA’s mascot with the caption, ‘GoDawgs’.
GoDawgs pic.twitter.com/v3eMfGtnPB
— Jayden Wade (@LightsOutWade7) February 20, 2026
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Wade is ranked as the No. 1 player in the 2028 class, according to 247. Obviously, this means he’s the top-ranked quarterback, as well.
He plays for IMG Academy out of Bradenton, Florida. However, he is originally from California. In his first year as the starter for IMG last season, Wade led the team to a 9-0 record while throwing for 1,383 yards, 20 touchdowns and only two interceptions.
The Vols do not have any commitments in the 2028 class at the moment. However, Tennessee holds four commitments in the 2027 cycle.
This comes after a recent commitment of three-star quarterback Baker and the decommitment of three-star cornerback Kamauri Whitfield. The top-ranked commit of the group is four-star, in-state offensive tackle Princeton Uwaifo at No. 111 in the country on 247.
UT is also coming off an elite 2026 signing class. Tennessee stacked up talent, headlined by Brandon, to earn the No. 4 group in the country on 247.