Ensworth 2026 four-star cornerback Justin Hopkins has Josh Heupel and Tennessee football among his list of finalists, he announced.
In the competitive realm of college football recruiting, the spotlight often shines on emerging talents who promise to shape the future of the sport. One such prospect is Justin “J-Hop” Hopkins, a standout cornerback from Ensworth High School in Nashville, Tennessee. As a member of the 2026 recruiting class, Hopkins has garnered significant attention from top-tier programs nationwide.
A Rising Star in Nashville
Standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 170 pounds, Hopkins has demonstrated versatility and athleticism on both sides of the ball. In the 2024 season, he recorded impressive statistics:
Offense: 42 receptions for 705 yards and seven touchdowns.
Defense: 16 tackles, two tackles for loss, seven pass break-ups, two interceptions, and one defensive touchdown.
These performances have not only showcased his dual-threat capabilities but have also solidified his reputation as one of Tennessee’s premier high school athletes.
The Recruitment Journey
On December 25, 2024, Hopkins announced his top 12 college choices, a list that underscores the breadth of interest in his talents. The schools making the cut are:
Auburn University
Duke University
Georgia Institute of Technology
Indiana University
Iowa University
University of Maryland
University of Minnesota
University of Mississippi (Ole Miss)
University of Missouri
University of Tennessee
Vanderbilt University
West Virginia University
This announcement, made via his Twitter account, was accompanied by a message expressing gratitude and emphasizing that his recruitment remains “100% open,” indicating his willingness to consider other opportunities as they arise.
Tennessee Volunteers: A Familiar Territory
Among his top choices, the University of Tennessee stands out, not only as a prominent SEC program but also due to Hopkins’ personal connection to the school. Having been a Vols fan since childhood, Hopkins has frequented the Knoxville campus numerous times, fostering relationships with the coaching staff and current players. In April 2024, head coach Josh Heupel extended an offer to Hopkins, a gesture that resonated deeply with the young athlete. Reflecting on this, Hopkins stated, “I’ve been a Vols fan since I was four or five years old… for them to throw the offer and to just believe in me feels amazing.”
This deep-rooted connection is further strengthened by his relationships with former Ensworth teammates now playing for Tennessee, such as William Wright and Andre Turrentine. Additionally, current teammate Ethan Utley, a 2025 Tennessee commit, has been actively encouraging Hopkins to join the Volunteers, often posing the question, “Why not Tennessee?”
Vanderbilt Commodores: The Hometown Option
Vanderbilt University, located in Hopkins’ hometown of Nashville, also features prominently in his considerations. The Commodores have hosted Hopkins on campus five times, the most visits he’s made to any institution, underscoring the mutual interest between the two parties. Vanderbilt’s coaching staff, led by head coach Clark Lea, has been proactive in their recruitment efforts, aiming to secure top local talent to bolster their program.
Ole Miss Rebels: A Competitive Contender
The University of Mississippi has also made significant strides in courting Hopkins. The Rebels’ inclusion in his top 12 reflects their commitment to strengthening their defense with versatile players like Hopkins. Their competitive SEC standing and recent successes make them an attractive option for recruits aiming to compete at the highest collegiate level.
Looking Ahead
As Hopkins navigates his recruitment journey, he has outlined a clear timeline for his decision-making process. He plans to narrow his list to six schools by early April 2025, focusing on official visits during the subsequent months, with the aim of making a final decision before the commencement of his senior season in August. In evaluating potential programs, Hopkins prioritizes early playing time, the strength of relationships with coaches and current players, and the stability of coaching staffs. He emphasized the importance of trust, stating, “I want to be able to trust that they will still be there when it’s my opportunity to get up on campus.”
As the recruitment process unfolds, Justin Hopkins remains a name to watch, with his combination of talent, versatility, and strategic decision-making positioning him as a coveted asset for collegiate programs nationwide.
