There are going to be over 100,000 people packing the stands at Neyland Stadium on Saturday, most of them hoping Tennessee can take down Kentucky in a monster battle. And on the list are three 2027 recruits that Josh Heupel and his staff are going to want to make sure have a great time in Knoxville. That'd be cornerback commit Preston Glasco, plus top targets in pass-rusher Hayden Lowe and defensive lineman Joshua Lane.
Tennessee fans are quite familiar with Lowe, as the former 5-star Miami signee was on campus for the thrilling win over Auburn. Lowe, now at Long Beach City College, has a busy November ahead of visits before making his final decision in early December. Because of that, the Vols want to knock his socks off during what should be his last trip to see Heupel's playmakers in action.
Hayden Lowe visiting Tennessee this weekend is going to be a crucial trip for the Vols
As it stands, it appears Lowe is down to Tennessee, Texas, UCLA, and Alabama. Following this upcoming visit to meet with the Vols, the 6-5, 255-pounder will then make his way to Austin, Westwood, and Tuscaloosa, with his Bama trip set for the Iron Bowl.
Because of that, Tennessee has to make sure he has an incredible time in what will hopefully include a weekend that's highlighted by a win over the No. 8 Wildcats. Lowe has said several times that he wants to join a program next season that will help him achieve his NFL dreams. It's going to be on Heupel, defensive line coach Rodney Garner, and defensive coordinator Jim Knowles to make Lowe feel like Tennessee will be the perfect spot for him.
Former Miami DL Hayden Lowe has found a home at Long Beach City College (Calif.) and he's set for a busy month of visits
— Greg Biggins (@GregBiggins) November 4, 2026
Tennessee is up this weekend with UCLA, Texas, and Alabama on the short list as well
Intel: https://t.co/XZytzGzD3N pic.twitter.com/G5A9IslSFu
Tennessee and Alabama are in a close race for Memphis DL Joshua Lane
Elsewhere up front, there's going to be a ton of attention on Lane, a Memphis product who has picked up 24 offers this campaign. Kalen DeBoer and the Crimson Tide are also squarely in the mix here, as they hosted the 6-3, 265-pounder for an official visit in late October.
On paper, this looks to be a two-team battle, but it's one that Heupel is prioritizing because Lane is an in-state playmaker. It'd be quite frustrating to see a talent from Memphis make the move south to Tuscaloosa, but that's in the cards. Luckily, however, Tennessee is still in this recruiting battle, and a memorable time around the UT players for this Kentucky showdown could end up making the decision easier for the 2027 stud.
All in all, the full focus for the Vols is to take down the Wildcats so that the team's College Football Playoff hopes can stay alive. Still, a bit of a cherry on top of sorts will arrive if a victory over Kentucky also helps Tennessee, a 6.5-point favorite in Week 10, convince both Lowe and Lane that Tennessee is where they belong.
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