Can the Tennessee Volunteers Beat Out Powerhouse Programs in Race to Land Elite Four-Star Safety Craig Tutt in 2025 Class?
The Tennessee Volunteers are in the thick of a high-stakes recruiting battle for one of the top defensive backs in the 2025 class—Craig Tutt, a dynamic four-star safety with elite range, physicality, and instincts. The 6-foot-1, 190-pound defender out of Buford, Georgia, is the type of player who can anchor a secondary for years to come. As his recruitment heats up, Tennessee is among the top contenders, but the Vols face serious competition from several SEC and ACC powerhouses.
Tutt is the kind of talent that can be a game-changer for a program looking to take the next step defensively. He plays with an edge, shows high football IQ, and has the versatility to contribute early in his college career. In today’s college football, where elite safeties are asked to play in space, cover tight ends, stop the run, and communicate across the secondary, Tutt checks every box. That’s why programs like Alabama, Georgia, Florida State, and LSU are all aggressively pursuing him. But Tennessee has put itself in a prime position, thanks to relationships, vision, and a defensive trajectory that continues to improve under head coach Josh Heupel and defensive coordinator Tim Banks.
The Vols’ pursuit of Craig Tutt is no secret. He’s visited Knoxville multiple times, and each trip has made a strong impression. Tennessee’s staff has made Tutt a top priority, treating him like a cornerstone rather than just another blue-chip name. That personal touch is something recruits often highlight when discussing their interactions with Heupel’s staff. Defensive backs coach Willie Martinez, in particular, has built a strong connection with Tutt and his family. Martinez’s experience developing defensive backs for the NFL is a key selling point, especially in a recruiting cycle loaded with elite skill talent on both sides of the ball.
Tennessee is also selling opportunity. The Vols’ depth chart at safety is talented but not overly crowded, meaning Tutt could realistically compete for early playing time. In today’s era of immediate impact freshmen and NFL Draft declarations, the pitch of “come in, compete, and play early” is resonating with top prospects. Tutt has the skill set to thrive in Tennessee’s system, particularly in the hybrid safety roles that ask defenders to be physical in the box but quick and intelligent in coverage.
Moreover, Tennessee’s upward momentum as a program cannot be ignored. The Vols have re-emerged as a recruiting force in the SEC under Heupel, and while they aren’t quite on the level of Alabama or Georgia just yet, they are winning battles against major programs more consistently. A potential top-10 finish in the 2025 class would solidify Tennessee’s status as an elite recruiting destination, and landing Tutt would go a long way toward achieving that.
That said, the Vols have stiff competition, particularly from Georgia and Florida State. Georgia is always tough to beat for an in-state kid like Tutt. Kirby Smart’s program has built its identity around elite defense, and their track record developing safeties—think Lewis Cine, Christopher Smith, Malaki Starks—is hard to ignore. The Bulldogs have been in steady contact with Tutt since his sophomore year, and he’s visited Athens more than any other campus. For Tutt, staying home to play for a national title contender is a powerful option.
Florida State is another program firmly in the mix. Mike Norvell and his staff have aggressively targeted Tutt as one of their top defensive priorities. The Seminoles have pitched a vision of Tutt being a multi-year starter in the heart of their defense. The recent success of FSU’s secondary, coupled with the chance to be part of a resurgent program with College Football Playoff aspirations, makes the Seminoles a serious threat. Florida State’s recent history of putting defensive backs into the NFL also gives them an edge in that particular department.
LSU and Alabama round out the top-tier contenders. LSU is pitching tradition, swagger, and NFL success. “DBU” still carries weight in recruiting circles, and Tutt has taken a strong interest in the Tigers’ program. Alabama, even in a new era under Kalen DeBoer, remains a national recruiting force. Tutt hasn’t ruled out the Crimson Tide, and their message of immediate competition at the highest level remains compelling.
So where does Tennessee stand? As of mid-July 2025, the Vols are squarely in Tutt’s top three and possibly leading, depending on who you talk to. Multiple recruiting insiders have reported that Tennessee is trending upward, particularly after Tutt’s most recent visit. He was reportedly blown away by the energy in the program, the player development focus, and the comfort he felt with the coaching staff and environment. Those intangibles could be the deciding factor as Tutt moves toward a fall commitment.
What makes Tutt so special—and such a priority target—is his rare combination of traits. He’s instinctive, reads quarterbacks well, and doesn’t hesitate to come downhill and deliver a hit. He’s fluid in his backpedal, can change direction quickly, and closes on the ball with aggression. His tape shows a player who understands angles, has great anticipation, and thrives in both zone and man coverage. Coaches love his coachability and film-study habits, which suggest a player who will only continue to improve at the next level.
From a roster-building standpoint, Tennessee’s need for an elite safety is clear. The Vols have recruited solidly in the secondary over the past two cycles, but they lack a true alpha at the safety spot. Tutt could be that player. In a conference where you’re facing quarterbacks like Carson Beck, Quinn Ewers, and Jalen Milroe, having a back-end playmaker is essential. Tutt’s presence would elevate not only the defensive backfield but also give the entire defense a tone-setting leader.
Another underrated factor working in Tennessee’s favor is NIL (Name, Image, Likeness). The Vols have established a strong NIL infrastructure through the Spyre Sports Group, one of the more active collectives in college football. While Tutt has remained low-key about NIL throughout his recruitment, the reality is that competitive packages are a baseline expectation for blue-chip prospects in today’s landscape. Tennessee’s ability to compete in that arena helps close the gap with other traditional powers.
Tennessee fans have also played their part. Recruits like Tutt consistently talk about the passion of the fanbase and the electric atmosphere at Neyland Stadium. That environment, particularly during high-stakes SEC games, leaves a lasting impression. There’s a sense of community and purpose around the Tennessee program that is starting to translate into real recruiting momentum.
As for a timeline, Tutt has said he plans to make his commitment before the start of his senior season, which puts a decision likely in late August or early September. That means Tennessee has a crucial final stretch to make its case. Expect more visits, more in-home meetings, and a full-court press from Heupel’s staff. The Vols cannot afford to let up, especially with programs like Georgia and Florida State not backing down either.
If Tennessee wins this battle, it would be more than just another four-star commit—it would be a signal. A message to the rest of the SEC and the country that Tennessee is capable of closing on elite defensive players. It would also give the Vols a huge boost in the 2025 class rankings and further solidify the belief that Josh Heupel is building a championship-caliber roster.
But even if they fall short, the recruitment of Craig Tutt represents how far Tennessee has come in a short period of time. A few years ago, the Vols wouldn’t have been in the conversation for a player of his caliber. Now, they’re in the top tier of contenders. That kind of progress, especially on the defensive side of the ball, shows that the program’s upward trajectory is very real.
As we await Tutt’s final decision, the battle is far from over. Tennessee remains firmly in the hunt, armed with strong relationships, a clear vision, early playing time, and a program on the rise. Can the Vols seal the deal and land Craig Tutt? The coming weeks will tell, but Tennessee has positioned itself as a legitimate favorite—and winning this battle could be the next major step toward returning to national prominence.
