TN Hidden Gems: Top Unranked Prospects in 2026 and 2027

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Every year, a new wave of high school football talent emerges, but not all of the most promising players show up on the recruiting radar. While star rankings and national lists dominate headlines, some of the most exciting prospects remain unranked—hidden gems who are overlooked by major services but possess the talent and drive to make a major impact. These sleepers often play with a chip on their shoulder, using the lack of early recognition as motivation to outwork and outshine their peers. History shows that many unranked recruits have gone on to become college standouts and even NFL stars, proving that true potential can be found well beyond the rankings.&nbsp;This article spotlights the best of Tennessee's unranked 2027 prospects who are ready to break out.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Class of 2026</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='284142' first='Bryson' last='Holt']</strong> - WR (Nashville Christian)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1310393' first='Mason' last='Justice']</strong> - OL (Heritage)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='380836' first='Julian' last='Murdic'] </strong>- QB (Ezell-Harding)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='402542' first='Gage' last='Porter']</strong> - QB (Knox. Webb)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1286070' first='Lucas' last='Piekielko']</strong> - OL (Rossview)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Class of 2027</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='902986' first='Hudson' last='Holman']</strong> - QB (Franklin Road Academy)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='904934' first='Kason' last='Hicks']</strong> - LB (Sequatchie County)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1676951' first='Jeremiah' last='Strickland']</strong> - OL (Oak Ridge)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1535791' first='Brody' last='Sparks']</strong> - QB (Carter)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1586188' first='Brayden' last='Sharpe']</strong> - WR (Anderson County)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As the spotlight continues to shine on the highest-ranked recruits, these unranked prospects quietly put in the work and let their play speak for itself. Their hunger, determination, and raw talent make them some of the most intriguing players to watch as the next season unfolds. Don't be surprised if these hidden gems turn heads, earn offers, and rise up the recruiting boards in the months ahead. In a state known for producing football greatness, Tennessee's unranked prospects are ready to prove that stars aren't the only measure of future success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->