Tennessee football head coach Josh Heupel has shown that he wants to pick up a quarterback in every class. A class of 2026 quarterback target was in town to watch the Vols against Texas A&M.
Josiah Oxendine, out of Dillon (S.C.) High School, has visited Tennessee a handful of times, including on Saturday.
“The game environment was surreal,” Oxendine said. “100,000 strong in a checkered Neyland, no way coach Heupel and the Vols were losing. The crowd definitely impacted the game. Loudest stadium I’ve attended thus far.”
Quarterback play struggled on Saturday. Joe Milton III threw for just 100 yards on a night that the run game dominated.
The game was a topic of discussion for Oxendine and the staff, as well as what he can continue to work on.
“We talked about the game and how they found a way to win,” Oxendine said. “We also addressed future plans and revisiting to work under coach Halzle at coach Heupel’s camp. It’s all about continuing to build our relationship. I did ask some questions and coach Halzle gave me sound advice. I highly respect the coaching staff at UT.”
Halzle harped with Oxendine to continue working on his fundamentals. Oxendine currently holds offers from Pitt, South Carolina and Georgia along with the Vols.
He was extended a scholarship offer from the Vols in February 2023.
“They see me as a QB that can help them win a national championship as I continue to mature and develop,” Oxendine said. “The natty is the ultimate goal.”
Oxendine has plans to visit North Carolina, NC State and Pitt before the end of the season. The 6-foot and 185-pound signal caller likely won’t make it back to Tennessee until the spring, and he will visit again for a camp in the summer he plans.
The rest of the fall also includes possible visits to Pitt and Alabama. He has already visited Clemson, Florida State, Duke and App State.
“Tennessee is a top tier program in my recruitment process and journey. Saturday’s game vs A&M just affirmed everything,” Oxendine said. “really appreciate Coach Heupel and the staff for recruiting me so early in my process.”
