Just over two decades ago, Kevin Simon was suiting up for the Tennessee Volunteers. Now, his son Kenneth Simon II is being recruited by the Vols and head coach Josh Heupel.
However, one huge hurdle has presented itself as Tennessee's biggest competition: the Alabama Crimson Tide.
While Heupel and the Vols have their foot in the door and maybe even a leg up because of the familial ties, Alabama has a powerhouse pedigree to tout and has undeniably emerged as a fellow frontrunner in Simon's recruitment.
"When I walked in, everyone was super greeting," Simon recently told On3's Blake Byler about his visit to Alabama. "I was able to build a relationship with [Alabama]."
Alabama and Tennessee battling for Kenneth Simon II
Simon is a four-star prospect in the class of 2027 and is the No. 9 linebacker in the country. A Tennessee native, he has received offers from powerhouse programs from across the nation, including those from the Crimson Tide and the Volunteers.
When talking to Byler, Simon shared that Alabama had entered his top four, joining the top of the ranks after his unofficial spring visit.
Simon has visited the Vols just once, in September of last year, and has taken the most trips to see the Ole Miss Rebels, visiting Oxford on three occasions, including two trips since former head coach Lane Kiffin left for the LSU Tigers.
He is set to visit the Volunteers for a second time this spring, alongside his planned trips to Alabama, Ole Miss, Georgia, and Notre Dame.
Alabama brought in 4-star LB Kenneth Simon for a spring visit last week.
— Blake Byler (@blakebyler45) April 19, 2026
He has Alabama is in his top 4, and hopes to make a decision before OVs.
"When I walked in, everyone was super greeting. ... I was able to build relationship with them."https://t.co/TfEWWRBbeW (On3+) pic.twitter.com/4KeaKuzJW7
Heupel and his staff need to lean into the family ties because losing Simon, especially to a team like Alabama, would be a huge miss for Tennessee.
Simon started his high school career as a free safety but has transitioned to a box linebacker role, and helped lead Brentwood Academy to a 12-0 overall record and a Tennessee Division II-AA championship in 2025.
While playing for the Vols, the elder Simon earned 93 total tackles (29 solo), one sack, and one forced fumble over two years in Knoxville.
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