Well, this is a less-than-ideal way to start a Friday morning for the Tennessee football program as they prepare for Joey Aguilar's case against a Knox County judge. Kamauri Whitfiweld has been committed to Josh Heupel since October 15, 2025, but a new development has occurred in his recruitment.
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Tennessee has done a solid job so far in 2027 recruiting, but the Vols will take a step back today with some bad news. 247Sports' Tom Loy is reporting that cornerback Kamauri Whitfield has decommitted from Tennessee today. The Orlando, Florida product is rated as an 88 by 247Sports and is the No. 34 player in Florida and the No. 37 cornerback in the class of 2027.
BREAKING: Cornerback Kamauri "Bam" Whitfield has decommitted from Tennessee.
— Tom Loy (@TomLoy247) February 13, 2026
While the Vols still remain in play, there are four Official Visits set, and some spring trips he wants to take.
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— @Bamwhitfield — @247Sports pic.twitter.com/emujfFKL4j
Now that he is decommitted from Tennessee, Whitfield will take official visits to Florida, Oregon, Nebraska, and Virginia Tech. Although Loy does report that Tennessee has a shot at landing him again, it remains unclear how much of a priority Jim Knowles will make him and if the Vols will make a push. It is nice to know that he does still have interest in Tennessee, but Heupel and staff will have to rebuild the relationship.
It always stinks to see a talented player go, as Whitfield has some really good programs after him, but it makes sense. The Vols have had a lot of turnover with the defensive staff since he committed. Tim Banks was fired, and Jim Knowles was brought in. Tennessee also brought in Michael Hunter Jr. to coach the cornerbacks, and he has since left for the Los Angeles Rams.
Tennesseee still has a chance at a strong 2027 class
Despite the loss today, Tennessee is still in a great position to have another successful recruiting class after a great 2026. The Vols have been pushing running backs hard, and they just got a new quarterback commit.
Plus, Tennessee has been pushing several top-ranked, talented offensive linemen hard. The Vols will now have to shape the defensive back recruiting board again, as they have no commits there and no cornerbacks coach as of now.