Soon enough, Tennessee Vols football fans will find out if a top cornerback target will end up committing to head man Josh Heupel. Things are already cooking for the 2026 class, but is more good news on the way later this month?
On Feb. 17, 4-star cornerback Justin Hopkins is all set to announce his college decision. According to On3, the 5-11, 170-pounder is down to Tennessee, Georgia Tech, USC and Minnesota. With Hopkins being a Nashville product, the hope is that Heupel will be able to keep the in-state playmaker home. Will it end up being Tennessee for him or will another squad land his verbal?
🚨NEWS🚨 2026 4-star CB Justin Hopkins will announce his commitment on February 17, @ChadSimmons_ reports.
— On3 Recruits (@On3Recruits) February 7, 2025
His finalists are USC, Tennessee, Minnesota and Georgia Tech.
Read: https://t.co/JcSlGNkGKF pic.twitter.com/UZUmcGHBQk
4-star Tennessee target Justin Hokpins will announce his decision on Feb. 17
Hopkins is no stranger to Knoxville, as he has taken several unofficial visits to campus. This included him heading to town in the fall to watch Tennessee take down Alabama in thrilling fashion. With spring ball around the corner too, the expectation is that Hopkins will be back on campus.
However, will he be doing so as a Vols commit? That remains unknown, but Heupel and his staff have a great chance to potentially land his services. Keep an eye on Minnesota, though. This week, a Crystal Ball pick on 247 went up in the Gophers' favor.
Georgia Tech and USC have also turned his head throughout the recruiting process. On top of his four finalists, 22 other programs have put a scholarship on the table for Hopkins. Per the 247Sports Composite rankings, he's ranked four stars, the No. 21 CB in the country and No. 9 prospect out of Tennessee.
Hopkins is a playmaker and he's set to have a bright future at the next level. Come Feb. 17, he'll be ready to let everyone know where his next stop will be. Vols fans will be following closely, hoping he gives Heupel the news he wants to hear.