Skip to main content
All for Tennessee
Fansided

Decision date moved for elite pass-rusher Hayden Lowe, but Vols squarely in the hunt

A late November visit to Alabama will have a huge impact on Lowe's final call.
ByBraulio Perez
Share on FacebookShare on XShare on Reddit
Google Discover
Jan 8, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Hayden Lowe (14) against the Mississippi Rebels during the 2026 Fiesta Bowl and semifinal game of the College Football Playoff at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Jan 8, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Hayden Lowe (14) against the Mississippi Rebels during the 2026 Fiesta Bowl and semifinal game of the College Football Playoff at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

For the 2027 class, one of the main targets left on the board for Tennessee and Josh Heupel is, without question, standout EDGE and former Miami signee Hayden Lowe. Now at Long Beach City College, Lowe took an official visit to Knoxville for the Auburn game. Shortly after that, he told us a final decision would be coming by late October at the latest. However, plans have changed.

This week, we caught up with Lowe once again, who made it clear he's still quite high on Tennessee after his unforgettable time on campus. However, he was supposed to visit Alabama this weekend, but he decided to reschedule because he'll be in action with LBCC and didn't want to leave his teammates behind.

Because of that, he'll instead be making his way to Tuscaloosa for the Iron Bowl against Auburn. This means his decision will be delayed by more than a month. While that may not be the news Vols fans were hoping for, Tennessee is still working hard to get this over the line.

Tennessee remains in close contact with former 5-star prospect Hayden Lowe

“It’s been great,” Lowe told FanSided about his communication with the Tennessee staff. “I’ve just been staying in close contact with them. I had never been to an SEC game day like that, and it was really live. Since then, I’ve pretty much been talking to the whole defensive staff.”

In particular, Lowe added that his 'strong' bond with defensive line coach Rodney Garner also continues to grow. Despite that, this won't be easy for the Vols to get done, as several schools are also on the grind to land his signature by early December.

While Lowe doesn't have a top school or anything right now, he said the four programs showing him the most interest at this time are Tennessee, Alabama, Missouri, and UCLA. Lowe was just at UCLA last weekend for the win over Wisconsin, and he's headed back to Pasadena on Nov. 13 to watch the Bruins take on Illinois.

Then, after that, his Alabama visit on Nov. 28 will be the last one he takes before the Early Signing Period (Dec. 2-4) arrives. It's a trip Lowe is pretty fired up for, as he also has a close connection with the Crimson Tide staff.

“I’m not going this weekend anymore,” Lowe said. “I’m going to go see them play Auburn for the Iron Bowl just because I would have missed one of my JUCO games. I’ll be ready to see the Alabama environment. I never got to visit in high school, so this will be my first trip over there.

"The talks with the staff have been really good. They’re just talking to me about finishing my season strong and also letting me know how they see me as a football player coming in to help contribute to winning games.”

Clearly, that Bama trip is going to be something for Vols fans to keep a close eye on. Again, the 6-5, 255-pounder, and No. 1 JUCO player in the country was hoping to shut down his recruitment in the next week or so, but with his trip to Bama getting moved, it changed everything.

Lowe could end up waiting until Signing Day on Dec. 2 to make his final choice. Regardless, it’s clear that Tennessee is among the schools that will be in this battle until the end, but Bama, UCLA, and Missouri are also giving him a lot to think about.

Add us as a preferred source on Google
Home/Vols Football