Eli Ferguson Opens Up About His Tennessee Football Commitment, Recruitment Journey, Coaching Staff, and the Future of the Vols

Eli Ferguson knew early on that Tennessee felt different. The four-star linebacker from Buford, Georgia, had a host of top-tier programs vying for his commitment—schools with championship pedigrees and NFL pipelines. Yet it was the Volunteers who ultimately won him over. In an exclusive conversation, Ferguson opened up about his recruitment, why he chose Tennessee, and how he sees himself fitting into the future of the program.

The recruitment of Ferguson was no quiet affair. With offers from Georgia, Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, and Florida State, among others, the 6-foot-2, 225-pound standout was at the center of a heated Southeast recruiting battle for much of the past year. His physicality, sideline-to-sideline speed, and natural football instincts made him one of the most coveted defenders in the 2025 class. But behind the highlight tapes and game stats was a young man looking for more than just flash. Ferguson wanted a place that felt like home.

“Tennessee felt like a family from day one,” Ferguson said. “It wasn’t just the coaches recruiting me—it was the players, the staff, the community. Everywhere I went in Knoxville, people treated me like I already belonged there. That meant a lot.”

Ferguson visited Tennessee multiple times during the recruitment process, both officially and unofficially, and each trip helped solidify his decision. While he remained respectful of the other programs recruiting him, he made it clear that no one created the same level of connection that Tennessee did.

“Coach Heupel is building something special,” Ferguson said. “When I sat down with him, it wasn’t just about football. He wanted to know about me, about my goals, my family, what I wanted to do with my life after football. That hit different.”

Ferguson said linebackers coach Brian Jean-Mary also played a critical role. Known for his energy and teaching style, Jean-Mary helped Ferguson understand how he would be utilized in Tennessee’s aggressive defensive scheme. The Vols see Ferguson as a hybrid linebacker who can rush the passer, drop into coverage, and serve as a quarterback for the defense.

“They love my versatility,” Ferguson said. “Coach Jean-Mary told me straight up, ‘You’re not just a position—you’re a weapon.’ That gave me so much confidence. They’re not going to stick me in one role. They’re going to let me play my game.”

Still, the decision didn’t come without pressure. With so many elite programs pushing for his commitment, Ferguson had to block out the noise and stay focused on what mattered most to him. He leaned heavily on his parents and high school coaches during the process.

“There were definitely moments when I was overwhelmed,” he admitted. “You have schools calling every day, fans hitting you up on social media, reporters asking questions. But I had a great support system. My parents reminded me to follow my heart, not the hype. My coaches helped me break down the schemes and what would actually fit my skill set. That clarity helped me make the best choice.”

Ferguson’s commitment to Tennessee came as a major recruiting win for the Vols, who continue to build impressive classes under Heupel. It also sent a message that top-tier defensive talent sees Knoxville as a legitimate destination again. Ferguson acknowledged that the team’s recent progress, both in the SEC and nationally, played a role in his decision.

“I watched what they did the past couple of seasons,” he said. “Beating Alabama, competing every week, playing with toughness—that’s the kind of program I want to be part of. They’ve already proven they can hang with anybody. Now we’re going to take it even further.”

Ferguson is also actively recruiting for the Vols now that his commitment is public. He’s become one of the more vocal peer recruiters on social media, reaching out to other top prospects and encouraging them to join him in Knoxville.

“I want to win championships, plain and simple,” Ferguson said. “And that starts with getting the best players. I’ve been talking to a few guys—can’t say names—but I’m doing my part. We’re trying to build a legacy, not just a class.”

One of the things that excites Ferguson most about Tennessee is the culture around the program. From the fans to the facilities, he says it feels like a place where football matters—and where players are developed on and off the field.

“You walk into Neyland Stadium and it just hits you,” he said. “The history, the energy, the sea of orange—it’s different. And the facilities? Top-tier. They’re investing in us. But even beyond that, I love how the coaches emphasize life after football. They talk about degree programs, internships, mentorship. That means a lot.”

As a student-athlete, Ferguson plans to major in business or sports management. He’s also interested in using his platform to give back to his community and serve as a role model for younger athletes, especially those in his hometown.

“I’ve had a lot of mentors along the way, people who believed in me,” he said. “I want to be that for someone else. Whether it’s hosting youth camps or just showing kids that they can make it out and do something positive—I take that responsibility seriously.”

On the field, Ferguson has his sights set on making an immediate impact. Though he knows nothing is guaranteed, he’s preparing mentally and physically to compete for playing time as a freshman.

“I’m not coming in to sit,” he said. “I respect the guys already on the roster, but I’m going to push every day. I’m going to study the playbook, get in the film room, do everything it takes. I want to earn my spot. I want to be on that field when it matters.”

Ferguson believes Tennessee fans can expect a relentless, passionate player who gives his all every snap. Whether he’s blitzing off the edge, blowing up a screen, or calling out adjustments at the line, he says his game is built on energy and intelligence.

“I play with heart,” Ferguson said. “You’re going to see that. I love contact, I love competition, and I love proving people wrong. I’m not afraid of the spotlight. In fact, I welcome it.”

Looking ahead, Ferguson is optimistic about what the next few years in Knoxville will look like. He sees a team hungry to win, a coaching staff with a vision, and a group of players ready to change the narrative.

“We’re not coming to Tennessee to be average,” he said. “We’re coming to compete for titles. That’s the mission. That’s the mindset. And I’m all in.”

Ferguson’s story is one of loyalty, vision, and belief—in himself, in a program on the rise, and in the power of choosing the right fit over the biggest name. As Tennessee fans look ahead to future seasons, they’ll have every reason to be excited about what Ferguson brings to Rocky Top.

Because for Eli Ferguson, the decision is already behind him—but the work is just beginning.