Kirby Smart and the Georgia Bulldogs appear to be on a collision course with a player the Tennessee Vols don't want to lose

Kirby Smart and the Georgia Bulldogs appear to be on a collision course with a player the Tennessee Vols don't want to lose

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Kirby Smart and the Georgia Bulldogs appear to be on a collision course with a player the Tennessee Vols don't want to lose
Tennessee Vols
Ayrton Breckenridge/Clarion Ledger / USA TODAY

Kirby Smart and the Georgia Bulldogs appear poised to swipe a big-time commit from Josh Heupel and the Tennessee Volunteers, but the battle, for now, is far from being settled.

It feels like Kirby Smart and the Georgia Bulldogs are destined to swipe one of the Tennessee Vols’ top commits before the end of the year.

The Bulldogs are in the market for a 2027 quarterback, and a quarterback who is committed to the Volunteers could be a perfect fit for Kirby Smart’s program.

Georgia and Tennessee QB commit Derrick Baker could be on a collision course

Tennessee secured a commitment from 2027 three-star quarterback Derrick Baker earlier this offseason.

Baker, who is expected to rise in recruiting rankings this fall after missing most of his junior season due to injury, is from Alpharetta, GA.

The talented quarterback was offered by Georgia in early May.

Baker says he’s solidly committed to Tennessee, but other programs are expected to make a strong run at him this fall.

If Baker performs well during his senior season, and if one of Tennessee’s starting quarterbacks β€” either redshirt freshman George MacIntyre or true freshman Faizon Brandon β€” has a breakout season in 2026, it could lead to Baker seeing a better opportunity elsewhere.

“Derrick will be here this weekend for his official visit to Tennessee,” said VolQuest’s Austin Price Wednesday on WNML’s Josh and Swain. “Everybody’s going to keep swinging at that kid. That thing, to me, will probably get dicey at some point. Because he’s going to play this fall. He didn’t play a lot, basically any, last year. And if he puts together really good tape, you’re going to see a quarterback-hungry team or two come calling and trying to pry him away. Especially if Faizon or George is as good as advertised. Because they are both going to be in basically in year one (as a starter).”

It’s possible that Baker decides he loves Tennessee and sticks with the Vols no matter what. Or it’s possible that Georgia finds another quarterback.

But I think Vols fans should be prepared for the possibility Georgia emerges a real threat to flip Baker at some point. I’m not making any sort of prediction β€” there’s a lot that still has to play out β€” it just feels like that’s where this is heading.

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