Josh Heupel lands 335-pound OL an hour after his last Tennessee football commit

It's turning out to be a Friday to remember for the Tennessee Vols and head man Josh Heupel. Earlier in the day, 4-star EDGE Kedric Golston II announced his commitment to the SEC powerhouse, picking UT over nearly 30 other schools.

Well, even more great news has arrived for Heupel and his coaching staff. That's because highly-touted offensive lineman Edward Baker has decided that it's time to shut down his recruitment as well. Yup, the youngster will be playing his college ball in Knoxville, becoming the second pledge of the day for the 2026 class:

OL Edward Baker has committed to Josh Heupel and Tennessee football

For a while now, Baker has had strong interest in the Vols and things reached a new level following his official visit to campus this spring. Back on June 6, Baker made his way to Knoxville and that trip no question has played a huge role in his latest decision.

Tennessee wasn't the only program he took an OV to, though. In addition to that visit, Baker also made his way to Ole Miss, Arkansas, NC State and Virginia. In the end, however, the lure of playing for Heupel and Tennessee was simply too much for him to pass up on.

Suiting up at Neyland Stadium, even if EA Sports doesn't think it's in the Top 10 for toughest spots to play in the country, is surely something else that he had in mind leading up to his commitment. Baker will join the program down the road already checking in at 6-4, 335 pounds.

According to 247Sports, Baker is ranked three stars, the No. 50 interior offensive lineman in the country and No. 18 playmaker overall from Maryland. The Baltimore product picked up 20 offers throughout his recruitment, but you can only pick one. He has picked Tennessee and this is the second known commitment of an expected stretch run for the Vols. Good news all around for the program.