Tennessee Attempting to Flip Four-Star QB

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Dibyendu Mondal | Last updated Dec 18, 2025 7:00 AM ET

The Tennessee Volunteers and Illinois Fighting Illini meet Dec. 30 in the Liberty Mutual Music City Bowl at Nissan Stadium and, this week, in recruiting.

Before the teams meet for the game, Tennessee quietly extended an offer to four-star Salt Lake City West quarterback Kamden Lopati, a player already committed to Illinois, signaling the Volunteers’ intent to press their advantage in a window when recruits and prospects are paying attention.

Tennessee’s offer arrived this week and prompted Lopati to say he was “at least a little intrigued,” according to Greg Biggins of On3.

The 6-foot-2 prospect committed to Illinois in July, a pickup coaching staff and fans framed as a significant early win in the Class of 2027.

How Has Kaiden Lopati Responded to the Offer?

"Right now, I’m focusing on the Under Armour All-American Game,” Lopati revealed. “I don’t have any visit plans just yet but I know things will start to heat up with some schools down the road."

The No. 12 signal caller is already predicted to leave Illinois. The two top programs leading the charge are the Iowa State Cyclones and Boston College. The offer from Rocky Top is now also in the mix.

Tennessee coach Josh Heupel high-fives children from East Tennessee Children's Hospital.© Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

“I had a good conversation with coach Heupel and coach Halzle,” Lopati said. “With Tennessee being in the SEC, I’m definitely curious about them and want to learn more about their program.

The interest in Nashville is definitely there and will only deepen with time.

“I want to get to know the coaches more as people and learn about the culture out there and of course the school itself as well.”

What Kaiden Lopati's Mom Has to Say?

"My mom is a fan of 'Rocky Top,'" Lopati expressed. "I know she’ll definitely want us to check them out."

"She played college softball at a smaller school but always loved how crazy supportive Tennessee and schools in the SEC are for their sports programs. She loves schools that are passionate like that so she was definitely excited."

Salt Lake City (Utah) West QB Kamden Lopati remains solid in his commitment to Illinois but a recent offer from Tennessee has him at least a little intrigued https://t.co/iiGzajzhBB pic.twitter.com/MkUYj7YH1l
— Greg Biggins (@GregBiggins) December 18, 2025

On the field, Lopati has produced high-level numbers for Salt Lake City West. As a junior, he completed 114 of 176 passes (65 percent) for 2,671 yards with 34 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He's also found the endzone 10 more times, rushing for 730 yards, showing a dual-threat upside that projects well to college schemes.

If Heupel and his camp manage to flip Lopati, it will definitely be a worthy addition.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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