How To Watch: Polynesian Bowl

Five Tennessee Volunteers signees will participate in the 2024 Polynesian Bowl.
In this story:

The Polynesian Bowl has been an important part of the annual recruiting cycle for Tennessee fans. 2023 five-star quarterback Nico Iamaleava played in the game before heading out to Knoxville, Tennessee, to join the team for classes and practice in January. Now, Tennessee sends five 2024 signees to the game after having several other All-Americans.

Five-star edge rusher Jordan Ross, five-star wide receiver Mike Matthews, four-star quarterback Jake Merklinger, four-star offensive tackle Bennett Warren, and four-star inside linebacker Edwin Spillman are all attending and practicing throughout the week. Ross, Matthews, and Warren have already participated in other All-American events but decided to make the trek out to Honolulu, Hawaii.

How To Watch: The Polynesian Bowl

  • Gameday: Friday, January 19th, 2024.
  • Game time: 9:00 pm ET
  • TV: NFL Network
  • Stadium: Künuiäkea Stadium (Honolulu, Hawaii)

Merklinger is slated to be the backup quarterback next season, as the coaching staff hasn't been able to find a quarterback in the transfer portal willing to come sit behind Iamaleava. Meanwhile, Spillman was a long-time Tennessee lean who chose the Vols over Ohio State. He came from a winning program in Lipscomb Academy and showed a lot of traits in high school that could translate to Tennessee's defense. There are a lot of reasons for the Vols to be excited about what the Polynesian Bowl could bring.

2024 4-star OT Bennett Warren during his official visit to Tennessee. (Photo courtesy of Bennett Warren)
2024 4-star OT Bennett Warren during his official visit to Tennessee. (Photo courtesy of Bennett Warren)

You Might Also Like:

Join the community:

You can follow us for future coverage by clicking "Follow" on the top right-hand corner of the page. Also, be sure to like us on Facebook @VolunteerCountry & follow us on Twitter at @VCountryFN.


Published
Evan Crowell
EVAN CROWELL

Evan Crowell is the lead publisher of Sports Illustrated-FanNation's Volunteer Country, serving as a beat reporter covering football, basketball, and recruiting. He previously worked as the lead publisher of Sports Illustrated-FanNation's Gamecocks Digest.