Arizona State Commit Jalen Williams Gets Real About Tennessee Pledge Jowell Combay in Candid and Unexpected Recruiting Statement
The world of college football recruiting is often filled with scripted answers, polite compliments, and measured words carefully crafted to avoid controversy. But every now and then, a player speaks with such honesty and directness that it cuts through the noise and captures the attention of fans, coaches, and the media alike. That’s exactly what happened when Arizona State commit Jalen Williams made a surprisingly candid statement about Tennessee defensive back commit Jowell Combay—offering a raw, unfiltered take that turned heads and sparked immediate discussion throughout the recruiting world.
Williams, a four-star safety from California, has been one of Arizona State’s most vocal and confident pledges in the 2025 cycle. Known for his physical style of play, high football IQ, and commanding presence in the secondary, he’s built a reputation as both a leader and a fierce competitor. The Sun Devils’ staff has praised his energy and edge, and his interviews often reflect that same unrelenting mindset. But during a recent media session at an offseason camp, Williams was asked a routine question about other defensive backs in the 2025 class—specifically Jowell Combay, who committed to Tennessee just a few weeks earlier. Instead of brushing it off with a generic answer, Williams gave an unfiltered assessment.
“I mean, he’s solid,” Williams said of Combay. “But I’m not going to sit here and say I’m impressed like everyone else. I’ve watched his tape. He’s got speed, sure, and he can cover a little. But I don’t see anything that makes me say he’s ahead of me or most of the top DBs in this class. If we’re being honest, I’d love to line up against him and show what’s really up.”
That one quote made its way to social media within minutes and exploded in recruiting circles. While Williams didn’t flat-out disrespect Combay, the implication was clear: he doesn’t view the Tennessee commit as being on his level. In a world where most top athletes play it safe, Williams’ statement carried weight. It wasn’t just confidence—it was a challenge.
The timing of the comment is also worth noting. Tennessee’s 2025 class has been surging lately, and Combay’s commitment was one of the biggest headlines of the summer for the Vols. A native of Florida and a top-200 national prospect, Combay had offers from Alabama, Miami, Florida State, and Michigan, but chose the Volunteers in what was seen as a major recruiting win for Josh Heupel’s staff. Combay is known for his length, fluid hips, and ball-hawking instincts. Tennessee’s coaches have called him “one of the most natural defensive backs in the entire class.” His commitment was expected to bring stability to Tennessee’s secondary recruiting plans, and fans quickly embraced him as a future star.
So when Williams, another high-profile DB in the same class, publicly downplayed Combay’s skill set, it raised eyebrows across the country. Analysts began weighing in almost immediately. Some praised Williams’ competitive fire and willingness to speak his mind. Others saw it as a bit of unnecessary bulletin-board material, especially considering both players could end up facing off in a future bowl game or playoff.
What makes the situation even more intriguing is the possibility that the two might actually cross paths sooner rather than later. With both Arizona State and Tennessee pursuing high-profile postseason appearances in the coming years and the increasing frequency of non-conference matchups or preseason showcases, a Williams-Combay showdown isn’t out of the question. Social media only fueled the speculation. Fans from both programs began imagining the hypothetical matchup, complete with memes, highlight videos, and commentary from former players and recruits.
Combay, for his part, didn’t respond publicly to Williams’ remarks—at least not directly. But just days after the quote went viral, he posted a workout video on Instagram with a caption that read, “They talking. I’m working.” It didn’t take long for fans and media to make the connection. It was subtle, but pointed. Combay wasn’t going to let Williams’ words distract him—but he clearly got the message.
Behind the scenes, coaches at both programs likely addressed the comments with their players. Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham has embraced a brash, confident culture since arriving in Tempe and may not have had an issue with Williams speaking his truth. Meanwhile, Josh Heupel and his staff have prioritized discipline, character, and development—and likely reminded Combay to stay focused and let his play do the talking.
The story isn’t just about two talented recruits exchanging opinions—it’s a reflection of the increasingly personal and public nature of college football recruiting. In the social media era, every comment is magnified, every interview goes viral, and every rivalry can be built months—if not years—before players ever step onto a college field. For programs like Tennessee and Arizona State, these storylines can add fuel to the fire and help shape the culture and swagger of the teams being built.
There’s also the simple truth that iron sharpens iron. Williams’ comments, however bold, come from a place of competitiveness. Both he and Combay are elite prospects. They’ve been compared to each other in rankings, invited to the same national camps, and watched each other’s highlights. Sometimes, when you’re trying to prove you’re the best, you don’t stay quiet about it.
Recruiting experts have weighed in on the dynamic between the two. One SEC analyst noted, “Jalen Williams is a big personality, and he plays with a chip on his shoulder. That’s part of what makes him so good. But Jowell Combay is a technician. He’s not flashy with his words, but he’s confident and calculated. If they do meet one day on the field, that’s a matchup everyone will want to see.”
Another PAC-12 insider added, “This kind of back-and-forth isn’t new in recruiting, but the difference is that these guys might both be stars in their own systems. It’s not about one being better than the other—it’s about fit, development, and mentality.”
For Tennessee, the coaching staff likely sees this situation as a positive. It shows that Combay is being noticed and talked about. It means his commitment has weight. The best players want to beat the best—and if Jalen Williams is going out of his way to address Combay, it suggests the Vols landed someone worth paying attention to.
And for Combay, the statement might be just the spark he needed. He’s never been the loudest voice in the room, but those who know him describe a relentless competitor with a quiet edge. He’s not the type to engage in social media wars—but he’s the type to remember every slight, every name, and every comment. When he takes the field this fall for his final high school season, expect him to play like someone with something to prove.
In the end, this exchange—however minor it may seem—adds another layer to the already compelling world of college football recruiting. It’s a battle of confidence, skill, and reputation. Jalen Williams and Jowell Combay are two players on different paths, but they’re now linked by one moment of honesty. Whether or not they ever meet on the field, their story is a reminder that football is as much about mindset as it is about talent.
As both players continue their journeys toward college stardom, fans will be watching closely. Every highlight, every interception, and every big play will be viewed through the lens of that one quote. And who knows? Maybe someday, under the lights of a bowl game or playoff stage, Williams and Combay will get the chance to settle the score the only way that really matters—in between the lines.
