The next major shake-up in the NASCAR Cup Series garage is taking shape, and all eyes are on 23XI Racing's third seat. With the 2027 season on the horizon, team co-owners Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin appear to have a clear plan for who will take the wheel of the No. 35 car.

Currently, 23XI Racing fields a strong lineup with Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick locked in. But the question mark has been the third entry, driven this season by Riley Herbst. According to recent reports, Herbst is expected to move to Legacy Motor Club in 2027, leaving a coveted opening at the Toyota-backed team.

Enter Corey Heim. The 2025 NASCAR Truck Series champion has been widely considered the heir apparent for the No. 35 ride, and that speculation is now turning into a near-certainty. As reported by The Athletic's Jordan Bianchi, Heim is the "one obvious choice" for the seat. Already under contract with 23XI Racing, Heim has been running a part-time Cup Series schedule in 2026 while waiting for a full-time opportunity.

Heim is widely regarded as one of NASCAR's brightest young talents. His championship pedigree in the Truck Series and steady development in Cup make him a natural fit to step into the lineup. With Herbst's departure looking increasingly likely, the path is clearing for Heim to make the full-time jump in 2027.

For fans of 23XI Racing, this move signals a commitment to building for the future while keeping the team competitive at the front of the pack. Heim's addition would give the organization a young, hungry driver alongside proven winners in Wallace and Reddick.

As the 2026 season unfolds, expect more clarity on this transition. But for now, all signs point to Corey Heim being the next driver to carry the 23XI Racing banner into the 2027 NASCAR Cup Series season.