Tennessee made a huge addition to its football program, but it probably took the Vols out of the running for a highly coveted player
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The Tennessee Vols made a big addition on Wednesday by landing 2027 three-star quarterback Derrick Baker.
Baker, 6-foot-2/220 pounds from Alpharetta, GA, is rated in 247Sports’ composite rankings as the No. 37 quarterback in the nation and the No. 62 player in the state of Georgia.
The Georgia native is viewed as a player with intriguing upside thanks in part to his SEC-ready frame.
Landing Derrick Baker probably takes the Vols out of the mix for another top quarterback
Baker is undoubtedly a good get for the Volunteers. With 2026 five-star quarterback Faizon Brandon looming as a good bet to start for Tennessee at quarterback in 2027 and 2028, it was unlikely that the Vols were going to be able to land a top 2027 quarterback (though I’d expect Baker to be a four-star recruit by the time he signs with Tennessee in December).
2027 four-star quarterback Champ Monds, who recently reclassified from the 2028 recruiting class, was interested in Tennessee prior to Baker’s commitment.
“I want to get back to Ohio State, Notre Dame, and Tennessee too,” Monds recently told Rivals. “They all came down to see me in January. I’ve been to Ohio State three times and to Notre Dame and Tennessee once. I don’t have dates yet, but I’m planning to see all three again soon.”
It’s unclear how Monds feels about Tennessee adding Baker, but as the nation’s No. 11 quarterback (per Rivals), it seems unlikely he would join a class that already features Baker, with Brandon also on the roster.
While landing Baker probably takes Tennessee out of the mix for Monds, I still think it’s the right move for the Vols. Tennessee’s coaching staff identified a quarterback they like, and they quickly locked him down instead of joining a pursuit that may not end until later this summer.
Taking care of the quarterback position is something this current Tennessee staff has been elite at doing. Over the last five recruiting cycles, including the 2027 cycle, the Vols have had their quarterback situation wrapped up well before the start of the early signing period.
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This story was originally published by A to Z Sports on Feb 11, 2026, where it first appeared in the Nashville section. Add A to Z Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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