War Room: Tennessee set for huge recruiting weekend, more notes

Football coaches hope to host big names this weekend

Tennessee football coaches are expecting a wave of top names on the recruiting trail for the "Vol Calls" weekend event this weekend.

More than 20 prospects are expected to attend the Vols' home football game against the Akron Zips on Saturday, according to a report from GoVols247.

Tennessee (2-2) is set to enter the game with a pair of losses and a bye week upcoming. The Volunteers are looking to rebound from a loss to Florida with what could be their biggest recruiting event to date.

"Vol Calls" is an event where Tennessee coaches split up into groups and go to different cities in the Southeast to meet with the state's top high school prospects. This year's event looks to be more localized with just one big weekend at home in Knoxville, and it comes at a pivotal point in Tennessee's season.

Not all of the recruits on Tennessee's radar this weekend will necessarily commit to the Vols. However, several could be ready to make a decision, and the timing of the event works to the Vols' advantage before that bye the following week.

High School recruits will be allowed to start signing with their schools of choice on Dec. 21.

Tennessee's 2023 recruiting class

Tennessee has the No. 15-ranked recruiting class in the nation, according to the 247Sports team composite rankings.

The Vols have 17 recruits committed, with four ESPN 300 prospects coming from the state of Georgia: defensive lineman Joshua Josephs, linebacker Jaren Kanak, wide receiver Nate Spillman and safety Cameron Upshaw.

Tennessee added its first ESPN 300 commitment from the state of Alabama in July in running back Justice Haynes. The Vols haven't had an ESPN 300 commitment from Alabama since Micah Abernathy in 2021.

Several prospects attending Vol Calls this weekend could join that group of ESPN 300 commits, which would be a big boost to Tennessee's recruiting class.

More notes

Tennessee freshman running back Dylan Sampson is expected to start his first game against Akron on Saturday at Neyland Stadium. Sampson is expected to start alongside his five-star teammate, Nico Iamaleava, who is expected to get the start at quarterback again.

Wide receiver Bru McCoy (ankle) and offensive tackle Darnell Wright (knee) did not play in Tennessee's 38-33 home loss to Florida. Vols coach Josh Heupel said that both players are expected to be back for the Akron game.

Tennessee is expected to host a second group of official visitors for the Alabama game on Oct. 15, after most of the commitments and top targets visited for the Florida game.