Joel Wyatt Reveals His Final Two Schools With Tennessee Volunteers Still Firmly In Contention For His Coveted Commitment

In the ever-intensifying world of college football recruiting, elite prospects narrowing down their college choices always stirs excitement across fanbases and programs alike. On Tuesday afternoon, one of the most coveted defensive prospects in the 2025 recruiting class, Joel Wyatt, officially announced his final two schools — and the Tennessee Volunteers have made the cut.

For Volunteer Nation, this comes as a significant win in itself, even before Wyatt makes his ultimate decision. The four-star defensive end out of Buford, Georgia, has been a high-priority target for Josh Heupel and his defensive staff for months. His combination of size, speed, and versatility has placed him among the nation’s most sought-after edge rushers, and now Tennessee finds itself in a head-to-head battle for his commitment.

Joining Tennessee in Wyatt’s final two is the Clemson Tigers, setting the stage for a fierce SEC vs. ACC recruiting showdown. Wyatt revealed his decision via a well-produced social media video, highlighting both programs’ traditions, development pipelines, and defensive success in recent years.

For Tennessee, this moment underscores the remarkable recruiting momentum the program has built under Heupel. Landing in the final two for a blue-chip defensive lineman like Wyatt speaks volumes about the Volunteers’ growing reputation, especially in defensive circles — an area where the program has steadily improved but is eager to continue bolstering with top-tier talent.

Wyatt, standing at 6-foot-5 and tipping the scales at 250 pounds, has been turning heads on the camp circuit and under the Friday night lights for Buford High School. His disruptive ability off the edge, high football IQ, and relentless motor have scouts across the nation projecting him as a future impact player at the collegiate level, with the potential to develop into an NFL Draft prospect down the line.

Recruiting insiders widely regard Wyatt as one of the most complete defensive ends in the 2025 cycle. His ability to defend both the run and pass with equal ferocity has made him a nightmare for opposing offenses and a dream addition for defensive coordinators.

Tennessee’s pursuit of Wyatt has been methodical, consistent, and driven by relationships. Sources close to Wyatt’s recruitment indicate that defensive line coach Rodney Garner has been instrumental in keeping the Vols firmly in the mix. Garner, known for his ability to develop top-tier defensive linemen and his relentless approach on the recruiting trail, has spent considerable time forging a bond with Wyatt and his family.

Additionally, Wyatt’s official visit to Knoxville earlier this month left a lasting impression. Reports suggest he was blown away by the passion of the Tennessee fanbase, the electric game-day environment at Neyland Stadium, and the program’s upward trajectory. His interactions with current players and coaching staff also solidified the Volunteers as a legitimate contender.

Wyatt’s camp has emphasized that his decision will hinge heavily on player development, defensive scheme fit, and the opportunity to contribute early. Tennessee, under defensive coordinator Tim Banks, has shown a commitment to aggressive, attacking defense — a style of play that suits Wyatt’s skill set perfectly.

Clemson, on the other hand, brings a different but equally compelling pitch to the table. Under head coach Dabo Swinney, the Tigers have built a defensive powerhouse, routinely churning out NFL-caliber defensive linemen. Wyatt has long admired Clemson’s winning culture and the Tigers’ track record of developing defensive standouts.

The proximity of both schools to his Georgia home adds another layer of intrigue. While Tennessee’s Knoxville campus is a few hours’ drive away, Clemson’s South Carolina location offers similar convenience, ensuring family and friends can easily attend games regardless of his choice.

For Volunteer fans, making Wyatt’s final two is an encouraging sign that Tennessee’s recruiting blueprint is working, especially when it comes to competing for elite defensive talent in the southeastern region — an area traditionally dominated by SEC heavyweights like Georgia, Alabama, and LSU.

Wyatt’s announcement adds to the growing list of highly-ranked prospects who have included Tennessee among their finalists, signaling the Volunteers’ evolution from a program trying to regain relevance to one consistently battling for top-tier recruits.

It’s worth noting that Tennessee’s recent recruiting successes, combined with noticeable on-field improvements, have begun to shift the national perception. The Vols’ high-octane offense under Heupel has garnered headlines, but the program’s defensive development has been equally critical in attracting recruits like Wyatt.

Landing Wyatt would not only be a massive addition to Tennessee’s 2025 recruiting class but also a symbolic victory in establishing the Volunteers as a premier destination for defensive playmakers. It would further demonstrate that Tennessee is no longer content with just offensive fireworks — the Volunteers are building a team capable of contending on both sides of the ball at the highest level.

Wyatt’s timeline for an official commitment remains fluid, though sources close to the situation believe he is targeting a decision before the start of his senior season. That timeframe gives both programs a final window to make their case and for Wyatt to evaluate every aspect of his potential future home — from player development to team culture to the overall fit within the defensive scheme.

As the recruiting battle enters its final stretch, Volunteer Nation remains hopeful that their persistent pursuit, strong relationships, and clear vision for Wyatt’s role in the defense will tip the scales in Tennessee’s favor.

Regardless of the outcome, making the final two for a player of Wyatt’s caliber reaffirms Tennessee’s resurgence on the recruiting trail and sends a clear message to the rest of the SEC — the Volunteers are here to compete, and they are not backing down in the pursuit of championship-level talent.

With Joel Wyatt’s decision looming, all eyes in Knoxville and across the college football landscape will be glued to the next chapter in this high-stakes recruiting saga. Whether he chooses to don the orange and white or opts for the Clemson Tigers, Wyatt’s commitment will be a major domino that could shape the trajectory of either program’s 2025 class — and potentially the future of their defensive lines for years to come.