Josh Heupel and the Tennessee Volunteers have long looked like the natural landing spot for four-star linebacker Kenneth Simon II.
Now, just days before his commitment, the Vols may be slipping, according to a report from Chad Simmons of Rivals.
Simon, a Tennessee legacy with deep ties to Knoxville, is set to announce his decision on May 11, choosing between Alabama, Georgia, Ole Miss, and Tennessee. But after a busy spring filled with visits, the tone around his recruitment is beginning to shift, and not in Tennessee’s favor.
Momentum Appears to Be Shifting
Recruitments often come down to timing, and right now, the timing may not favor Tennessee.
After multiple visits to each of his finalists this spring, Simon made it clear that his decision is essentially made, and, more importantly, that one program has separated itself, the Alabama Crimson Tide.
“I saw all I needed to see this spring… there is one that stands out above the rest.”
That kind of statement is significant.
For a legacy prospect, especially one with strong, long-standing ties to Tennessee, to suggest an arch-rival school has pulled ahead signals a potential shift in momentum late in the process.
Tennessee’s Legacy Advantage Facing a Real Test
With Simon’s dad being a two-time All-SEC linebacker for the Volunteers, on paper, Tennessee checks a lot of boxes for the 6-foot-2, 210-pound Simon.
He grew up around the program, has a strong relationship with linebackers coach William Inge, and has consistently spoken highly of how he fits within the Vols’ defensive system.
“I grew up around Knoxville… Our relationship is very good,” Simon said. “We talk about how I fit into their system schematically, and it’s everything I would wanna do in college.”
That familiarity and comfort typically give legacy programs a built-in edge.
But in today’s recruiting landscape, that edge doesn’t always hold, especially when other SEC powers are pushing hard.
Why This Would Be a Tough Loss for Tennessee
Missing out on any top target is never ideal, but missing out on a legacy recruit with deep ties to the program will hit a little differently for the Tennessee coaching staff and Volunteer fan base.
For Tennessee, losing Simon wouldn’t just impact the 2027 class; it would raise questions about finishing power in key recruiting battles, especially when facing direct SEC competition.
Decision Day Approaching
Simon’s decision is set for May 11, and Tennessee remains in the final group.
But based on his recent comments, the Vols may no longer be in control of this recruitment.
The relationships are there. The history is there.
What’s less certain now is whether that will be enough to overcome the late surge from Kalen DeBoer and the Crimson Tide.
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