HUGE BOOST FOR TENNESSEE DEFENSE: Three-Star EDGE Darryl Rivers Commits to Volunteers, Says He Already Feels ‘Right at Home’

Tennessee football continues its upward trajectory on the recruiting trail, landing yet another promising defensive piece in the 2025 class. Three-star EDGE rusher Darryl Rivers officially announced his commitment to the Volunteers on Friday, choosing Rocky Top over a competitive list of offers from across the SEC and beyond. For Rivers, it wasn’t just about football — it was about belonging.

“I just feel at home in Knoxville,” Rivers shared after making his decision public. “Everything about the visit, the coaching staff, the players — it just clicked. I’ve been to a lot of places, but Tennessee feels different.”

Rivers’ commitment marks a significant defensive addition for head coach Josh Heupel and defensive coordinator Tim Banks as they continue building a roster capable of competing at the highest level of the SEC. Standing at 6-foot-4, 230 pounds, the versatile pass rusher from Cartersville, Georgia, brings athleticism, explosiveness, and raw potential to a Tennessee defense looking to return to its disruptive roots.

While rated as a three-star prospect by major recruiting outlets, Rivers’ stock has quietly climbed throughout the spring evaluation period. His blend of size, speed, and relentless motor made him a coveted target for several SEC programs, with Kentucky, South Carolina, Mississippi State, and Auburn all extending offers in recent months.

However, it was Tennessee that made the strongest impression — and it wasn’t just the facilities or the football pedigree.

“It’s the culture they’re building there,” Rivers explained. “They’re all about family, development, and winning. You see how they take guys like me — maybe not five-star names yet — but they develop them into NFL talent. That stood out.”

The defensive edge position has been a particular area of focus for Tennessee’s staff in the 2025 cycle. With the SEC’s elite offenses lighting up scoreboards every Saturday, adding pass-rushing depth has become essential for programs with championship aspirations. Rivers, though still raw, fits the mold of an athletic disruptor who can grow into a significant contributor within Banks’ aggressive defensive system.

“He’s exactly what we’re looking for in terms of athletic profile and mentality,” one Tennessee staffer shared anonymously. “He’s long, quick off the ball, and plays with that chip on his shoulder. He’s only scratching the surface of what he can become.”

Rivers’ high school tape showcases precisely that potential. His quick first step, ability to bend around offensive tackles, and pursuit of the football have been hallmarks of his play at Cartersville High School — a program known for producing high-level collegiate talent. While his frame still has room for development, coaches have been impressed by his willingness to work and his football IQ.

“He’s one of those guys who just loves the grind,” said Cartersville head coach Reggie Moore. “Always in the film room, asking questions, trying to get better. You can coach up skills, but you can’t teach that hunger — and Darryl’s got it.”

The commitment also reflects Tennessee’s continued dominance in building relationships with key recruits in talent-rich Georgia — a state that consistently produces elite football prospects. Over the last few cycles, the Vols have successfully plucked several difference-makers from the Peach State, and Rivers becomes the latest to buy into the vision unfolding in Knoxville.

Josh Heupel’s staff has emphasized both regional recruiting dominance and national reach. In Rivers, they secured a prospect who fits both the geographical pipeline and the schematic needs for the future.

Rivers’ decision wasn’t a surprise to those following his recruitment closely. His visit to Knoxville last month left a lasting impression, with sources indicating the Vols’ coaching staff rolled out the red carpet during his unofficial and subsequent official visit. Meeting with position coaches, touring the facilities, and connecting with current players allowed Rivers to visualize his future in orange and white.

“Honestly, after that last visit, I knew,” Rivers admitted. “My family loved it. I loved it. You could just tell it was the right place for me to grow on and off the field.”

Tennessee’s 2025 recruiting class continues to take shape as one of the most well-rounded in the SEC. With Rivers in the fold, the Vols add another key piece to their defensive puzzle — reinforcing an area critical to SEC success.

While the headlines often gravitate toward flashy offensive recruits under Heupel’s high-powered system, insiders have noted the coaching staff’s concerted effort to bolster the defensive front. The SEC’s best programs consistently produce NFL-caliber pass rushers, and Tennessee aims to return to that pedigree.

Rivers’ recruitment also serves as another example of Tennessee’s ability to identify high-upside talent early in the cycle. Though not yet a household name, several scouts believe Rivers has the physical tools to outplay his current ranking, especially under the tutelage of Tennessee’s defensive development staff.

“He’s got length, athleticism, and plays with effort — that’s a great foundation,” an SEC scout remarked. “You get him in a strength program like Tennessee’s, sharpen his technique, and he’s going to surprise a lot of people.”

For Rivers, though, the future is as much about personal growth as it is about football accolades. He expressed excitement about Tennessee’s academic support, life skills programs, and overall player development — factors that sealed the deal for both him and his family.

“They care about us as people, not just football players,” Rivers emphasized. “It’s about setting us up for life — and that matters to me and my family.”

Tennessee fans, already buzzing with optimism after recent recruiting wins, took to social media to celebrate Rivers’ announcement. His pledge represents not only another talented addition to the 2025 class but also continued validation that Tennessee remains a program on the rise within the ever-competitive SEC landscape.

As for Rivers, his focus now turns to finishing his senior year strong and preparing for the next chapter. But the excitement for his future in Knoxville is undeniable.

“Can’t wait to get up there and get to work,” Rivers concluded. “It’s home now — and I’m ready to represent.”

With Darryl Rivers locked in, Tennessee’s defensive future just got brighter — and the Volunteers aren’t done yet on the recruiting trail. If Rivers’ commitment is any indication, more promising additions could be on the horizon as Heupel and his staff continue assembling a roster built to compete, contend, and win in the nation’s toughest football conference.