Tennessee Vols predicted to lose 2027 four-star recruiting target to rival SEC program

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The Tennessee Vols have been "aggressive" in their pursuit of a 2027 four-star defensive back from Alabama, but they still may come up short.

On3's Chad Simmons predicted this week that the Oklahoma Sooners will land 2027 four-star safety Jaylen Scott.

Scott, 6-foot/165 pounds from Mobile, AL, is rated by 247Sports as the No. 10 safety in the nation and the No. 4 player in the state of Alabama. He's also rated as the No. 113 overall player in the 2027 recruiting class.

Simmons noted that Florida State and Tennessee "have been steady and aggressive" in their pursuit of Scott, while also pointing out that both programs have been considered "strong contenders" for the four-star safety. But he still thinks Oklahoma will be the pick for the Alabama native.

"The combination of relationships, defensive vision, and early momentum gives Oklahoma a strong position as things stand," wrote Simmons. "With the Sooners continuing to surge in the 2027 cycle, Scott is a key piece they are pushing hard to add, and I’ve logged a prediction for the SEC program."

Scott, who was committed to Auburn at one point, received a visit at his high school this week from Vols secondary coach Anthony Poindexter.

Oklahoma and Tennessee, by the way, is developing into a fun rivalry. The two schools won't play each other every year in the SEC, but they're often fighting for many of the same recruits. More importantly, Sooners legend Josh Heupel is Tennessee's head coach while Vols legend Jason Witten is now Oklahoma's tight ends coach.

There's a lot of overlap between the two programs, despite being 12 hours apart.

Related: LSU Tigers head coach Lane Kiffin has the Tennessee Vols on his mind yet again

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This story was originally published by A to Z Sports on Jan 28, 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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