Tennessee’s big recruiting weekend may have gotten even better with a new development regarding quarterback commit Derrick Baker. Josh Heupel landed Baker, a Milton, Georgia product, earlier this year, but since then he has steadily gained attention from several major programs.
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One program that has perhaps made the biggest effort to flip Baker away is Georgia. The Bulldogs let him slip away early in the process and are now trying to play catch-up. Ever since he committed to Tennessee, Kirby Smart and his staff have worked to get involved with Baker, offering him in early May and attempting to get him on an official visit, which is no small development.
However, Tennessee may have fended off Georgia for good after a big visit weekend in Knoxville. Following the trip, Baker was asked where things stand after his visit, and he told Matt Ray of On3 afterward:
“All Tennessee, just locked in,” Baker said. “Just ready to go play with my guys back home and be able to enjoy my senior year before I come up here. It has been here since the start. I would just say the trust with those coaches. I know their plans for me, and they know how to develop quarterbacks. I just like what they have going on.”
QB @derrickbakerQb1 'all Tennessee', remains 'locked in' following official visit ⬇️⬇️ https://t.co/gS8Aw1JxHi
— Matt Ray (@matt_ray_) June 8, 2026
QB commit Derrick Baker is locked in with the Vols
Now that Tennessee has a very good quarterback firmly locked in, the staff can focus its efforts elsewhere, particularly on adding a few more offensive linemen and another receiver to the class. Sure, Heupel and the staff still need to make Baker feel like a priority, but overall, it sounds like their efforts have paid off. They’ve built a strong relationship throughout his recruitment.
Don’t be surprised if Baker moves up in the rankings. Right now, he is listed as a three-star prospect by the 247Sports Composite, ranking as the No. 730 player in the country and the No. 40 quarterback in the class. However, he has stashed a number of big-time offers, and with schools like Tennessee and Georgia making a push for him, it’s clear he has talent. He missed most of his junior season with a hand injury, so if he can put together a strong bounce-back year, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him earn a fourth star, which should certainly catch the attention of Vols fans.
If you’re a Tennessee fan, you’ve got to like this. The Vols added three big commitments over the weekend. David Gabriel Georges appears to be trending in the right direction with Tennessee, and their priority quarterback target remains locked in. It was a great effort by Josh Heupel and his staff. Tennessee needed a big recruiting weekend, and Heupel delivered exactly that and then some.
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