The college football engine never stops churning. Now that (most) of the sport’s transfer portal chaos has wrapped up, coaching staffs have turned their attention back to the high school ranks. On Wednesday morning, that focus paid off for Tennessee.
According to On3’s Chad Simmons, quarterback Derrick Baker has committed to the Vols. He is Tennessee’s first QB recruit for the 2027 class.
Baker, who stands 6-foot-2, 220 pounds, plays his high school ball at Alpharetta (Ga.) Milton. He’s a 3-star prospect and the No. 37 quarterback in the class, according to 247Sports’ Composite rankings. He chose Tennessee over Kentucky, Indiana, Miami, and Maryland, among others.
It’s still early in the 2027 recruiting cycle, but the Volunteers are off to a solid start. Baker is the fifth recruit they’ve signed for 2027. He, offensive tackle Princeton Uwaifo, defensive lineman Kaden Fife, cornerback Kamauri Whitfield, and linebacker JP Peace currently give Tennessee the No. 12 overall class for 2027, according to 247Sports’ Composite rankings.
Unless Joey Aguilar’s quest for another year of eligibility succeeds, the Volunteers will have a new signal-caller in 2026. Redshirt freshman George MacIntyre — a former 4-star recruit — and 5-star true freshman Fiazon Brandon — the No. 10 overall player in 247Sports’ Composite rankings of the 2026 class — are expected to compete for the position. Tennessee opens the 2026 season versus Furman on Sept. 5.
