Top 2028 quarterback prospects are making commitments in waves ahead of their junior seasons on the gridiron. Lake Norman (N.C.) four-star Kaden Craft became the latest, announcing his pledge to Tennessee on Monday.
Craft is the No. 102 overall prospect and No. 8 QB in the 2028 cycle, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all major recruiting media companies. He’s also the No. 4 junior prospect in the Tar Heel State.
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The Vols beat out Florida, Oregon, Michigan, LSU and Ole Miss for the blue-chip passer. It’s the second time in the last three cycles that head coach Josh Heupel and Co. have landed a commitment from a QB in North Carolina, as they signed Grimsley five-star Faizon Brandon last winter in the 2026 cycle.
“They showed me the most love out of any school,” Craft told Rivals’ Chad Simmons, explaining his decision. “They were always on me, recruiting me as hard as possible. The staff just kept exceeding the bar for me.”
With his commitment now public, Craft can put full focus into his junior season — which is set to officially get underway this weekend. Lake Norman will head to Monroe and take on Sun Valley this Friday. The Wildcats enter the regular season as the No. 27 team in North Carolina, according to the Rivals Composite Rankings.
Craft has been starting for two years already. He made his first varsity start in September of his freshman season and ultimately finished with 1,171 passing yards and 13 touchdowns to 12 interceptions across 11 games. He also rushed for four scores.
It was last fall that saw the 6-foot-4, 210-pounder take some serious strides, however. Leading the Wildcats to eight wins, Craft completed 126 passes for 1,739 yards and 17 TDs. His ball security really improved as he threw just four picks as a sophomore. He was also a red zone threat on the feet, rushing for 13 scores. He’s scored 47 touchdowns across 23 high school games and is expected to make another jump as a junior this fall.
Lake Norman’s home-opener is set for next week as it hosts Mount Tabor. The Massey Ratings predict the Wildcats to six games entering the campaign. This week’s season-opener will be among their biggest challenges of the year.
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