Tennessee football is making early moves for its 2027 recruiting class, and the latest buzz comes from a standout defensive end out of New Jersey. Four-star prospect Jackson Vaughn has officially included the Volunteers in his top nine schools, signaling the program's growing appeal on the national stage.

Vaughn, a 6-foot-4, 225-pound edge rusher from Bergen Catholic High School in Oradell, New Jersey, released his list on social media via Hayes Fawcett of On3. The Vols join a stacked group of contenders: Notre Dame, Miami, South Carolina, Auburn, Alabama, California, Texas A&M, and Texas. It's a who's who of college football powerhouses, and Tennessee is right in the mix.

The junior reclassified from the 2028 class to 2027, which only adds to his intrigue. According to 247Sports, Vaughn is ranked as the No. 15 defensive end nationally in his class and the No. 4 overall prospect in New Jersey. His blend of size and athleticism makes him a priority target for many programs.

Tennessee extended a scholarship offer to Vaughn on January 16, 2025, though he has yet to visit Knoxville. That could change as his recruitment heats up. He was first offered by USC back on September 26, 2024, and has since piled up offers from nearly every Power Four program in the country, including Pittsburgh, Georgia Tech, Penn State, Ohio State, LSU, Oregon, Florida, and many more.

Interestingly, Vaughn's high school has a Tennessee connection: former Vols quarterback Jarrett Guarantano also played at Bergen Catholic. It's a small but notable tie that could resonate as the Vols look to build a relationship with the talented defender.

Tennessee currently holds six commitments in its 2027 recruiting class: linebacker JP Peace, offensive tackle Princeton Uwaifo, defensive lineman Kadin Fife, quarterback Derrick Baker, athlete Jaden Butler, and wide receiver KeSean Bowman. Adding a player of Vaughn's caliber would be a major win for head coach Josh Heupel and his staff as they continue to build for the future.