Josh Heupel and the Tennessee Volunteers are locked in a recruiting battle with Bill Belichick and the North Carolina Tar Heels for one of Tennessee’s top 2027 prospects.
Kesean Bowman, a four-star cornerback from Nashville, TN, stands at 6-foot-1 and 160 pounds. Rivals.com ranks him as the No. 1 player in Tennessee and the No. 2 cornerback in the 2027 class.
Tennessee and North Carolina are among the programs pushing hardest for Bowman’s commitment. He told On3 that Tennessee is making him feel like a “priority,” while a recent visit to North Carolina left a strong impression.
“The North Carolina coaching staff was amazing,” Bowman said. “They showed me lots of love, and they all have one common goal—to develop their players for the next level.”
Bowman also emphasized that coaching mentality will play a key role in his decision. “When I commit, important factors will be having a great relationship with the coaches and feeling at home,” he said. “Lastly, I love a coach with a killer mindset.”
That competitive edge could work in Tennessee’s favor, as Heupel is known for his intense drive. However, Belichick—one of the most accomplished coaches in football history with six Super Bowl wins—embodies the “killer mindset” Bowman is seeking.
With plenty of time left in this recruiting race, the battle between Tennessee and North Carolina is shaping up to be a fascinating one. Other top programs, including Oregon, Georgia, Miami, Florida, Florida State, and Texas A&M, are also in the mix for Bowman.
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