While Tennessee head man Josh Heupel has been able to post some impressive recruiting wins, the losses are also jumping off the page for him a bit. Right now, there's plenty of disappointment for Vols fans out there, as linebacker Kenneth Simon II just committed to Alabama over UT.
On3's Hayes Fawcett was all over the graphic, knowing all too well Simon was heading to Alabama.
BREAKING: Four-Star LB Kenneth Simon II has Committed to Alabama, he tells me for @Rivals⁰
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) May 11, 2026
The 6’2 210 LB from Brentwood, TN chose the Crimson Tide over Georgia, Ole Miss, and Tennessee
“Roll Tide”⁰https://t.co/4NMUEyG6Jl pic.twitter.com/prKHNzZKBo
Ranking the 3 biggest needs Josh Heupel must address in the 2027 recruiting class
This isn't an ordinary recruiting loss for Heupel, though. Simon is the son of former Vols linebacker Kevin Simon, meaning this is yet another legacy loss for the staff. This comes after Cooper Witten, a 5-star playmaker, picked Oklahoma over the Vols too. Jason Witten joining the OU staff of course made an impact there, but Simon playing elsewhere is not good at all.
Elite LB Kenneth Simon II has committed to Alabama despite being a Tennessee legacy
Leading up to his announcement, the 6-2, 210-pounder was down to Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia and Ole Miss, but plenty of signs were pointing to Kalen DeBoer and Heupel going head-to-head for the big-time talent. The Crimson Tide pulled it off in the end.
Another reason this stings for Heupel? Simon is a stud for the Brentwood Academy in Tennessee. So, not only did his dad play for the Vols, but he's also an in-state talent deciding to play elsewhere in the SEC. Adding everything up, this is a major loss for Heupel.
Especially since Simon is ranked four stars, the No. 7 linebacker in the country and No. 133 prospect nationally according to 247Sports. Throughout his recruitment, Simon had 25 offers to his name, which shows you just how wanted of a 'backer he was across the board.
Despite missing out on Simon, Heupel and the Vols still hold seven pledges for the 2027 class, with that number expected to grow in a big way once official visit season gets here around the corner. One recruiting loss is not going to define the '27 group.
With that said, Vols fans were hoping Simon would follow in his father's footsteps and be an impact player in Knoxville. Instead of that story being written, the youngster is going to be Tuscaloosa-bound, as this is a massive recruiting victory for DeBoer and Bama.
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