Tennessee Football Recruiting in 2025 Raises Concerns as Volunteers Struggle to Meet Expectations Set by Recent Seasons’ Momentum
Tennessee football’s recruiting efforts have been under the microscope in recent months, and a growing number of Volunteer fans are expressing concerns about the direction the program is heading. While head coach Josh Heupel has delivered success on the field and revitalized the Tennessee brand since taking over, the 2025 recruiting cycle has revealed cracks in what was once viewed as a bulletproof ascent.
For a fanbase as passionate and historically grounded as Tennessee’s, the recruiting trail is more than a pipeline for future success—it’s a scoreboard of national relevance. And right now, that scoreboard doesn’t look particularly favorable compared to the SEC’s top programs or even some of Tennessee’s traditional rivals.
When the 2025 recruiting cycle began, Tennessee was expected to capitalize on back-to-back strong seasons, high-profile offensive performances, and a reputation as one of the more exciting brands in college football. Instead, the class has lacked headline-making commitments, particularly at key positions like defensive back, offensive line, and wide receiver.
The Volunteers have secured a few quality commitments, including four-star quarterback George MacIntyre, but the overall haul lacks the star power and SEC-level depth needed to keep pace in a league that continues to evolve into a recruiting arms race. While other SEC contenders like Georgia, Alabama, LSU, and even Florida and Auburn have started stacking up top-100 players, Tennessee appears stuck in neutral.
This slower-than-expected start has created a ripple effect. Elite recruits are often drawn to classes with momentum. They want to join groups loaded with talent and ambition, not classes still waiting to break through. With Tennessee still hovering around the 15–20 range nationally in recruiting rankings, concerns are bubbling up about the program’s ability to finish strong.
Another factor complicating Tennessee’s recruiting efforts is the ever-changing landscape of name, image, and likeness (NIL). Tennessee, through its primary collective “Spyre Sports,” was once seen as one of the early leaders in the NIL space. The aggressive approach paid dividends early, particularly in 2022 and 2023, when the Vols landed some top-tier talents in part due to robust NIL offerings.
However, as the NIL ecosystem has matured, other programs have caught up. The market has become more competitive and fluid, with players, families, and handlers more strategic and, at times, more demanding. Tennessee’s collective model, once bold and innovative, now must compete with increasingly organized efforts at places like Texas A&M, Miami, and Oregon. Additionally, some recruits are reportedly unsure about long-term NIL stability, given national questions around regulation and enforcement.
The effect is a more chaotic and less predictable recruiting environment. Some fans fear that Tennessee is either being outspent or outmaneuvered, which raises larger concerns about long-term sustainability and strategic clarity.
While Josh Heupel has led Tennessee to national relevance since 2021, including a memorable 2022 season and a signature win over Alabama, the 2023 campaign wasn’t as electrifying. Losses to Georgia, Alabama, and Missouri reminded fans that the Vols still have ground to cover in the SEC pecking order.
This matters in recruiting, where perception often equals reality. Top prospects want to join programs that win big games, make College Football Playoff appearances, and produce first-round NFL talent. While Heupel has undeniably elevated the Tennessee offense, questions remain about defensive depth, overall consistency, and the ability to win on the road against elite competition.
The 2024 season looms large. If Tennessee can post double-digit wins and knock off a marquee opponent or two, it could reignite the recruiting buzz in time for a strong close to the 2025 cycle. But if the Vols stumble or regress, the concerns of June could become full-blown panic by December.
Perhaps the most troubling aspect for some Tennessee fans is the struggle to keep elite in-state talent within the Volunteer State. Tennessee has historically prided itself on dominating the local recruiting scene, but in recent years, national powers have poached elite prospects from the state’s top high schools.
In the 2025 cycle, Tennessee is once again facing stiff competition for several high-profile in-state recruits. Players like defensive end Jared Smith, offensive tackle Elijah Jackson, and wide receiver Marcus Davis are all being heavily courted by out-of-state schools. Georgia, Clemson, Michigan, and Ohio State have been particularly aggressive in Tennessee’s backyard.
When your own state’s top players aren’t choosing your school, it becomes difficult to build classes that reflect the pride and culture of the program. This loss of in-state control is one of the core frustrations among fans and recruiting insiders alike.
While George MacIntyre is a solid get at quarterback, the overall situation at the position has raised eyebrows. MacIntyre, once viewed as a top-five QB in the class, has seen his ranking dip slightly over the last few months. While that’s not necessarily a cause for alarm, it has sparked questions about whether he remains the blue-chip future the staff envisioned.
Additionally, Tennessee missed on several other top quarterback prospects earlier in the cycle, and some fans wonder if the offensive scheme—once considered a huge selling point—is losing its edge in attracting elite QBs. The 2023 and 2024 quarterback situations didn’t exactly help; while Joe Milton flashed potential, the offense at times looked disjointed. And with Nico Iamaleava still unproven as the long-term starter, some recruits may be waiting to see if Heupel’s QB whisperer label holds true.
One argument in favor of calming the panic is that Tennessee’s staff has done an admirable job developing talent, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. Wide receivers like Jalin Hyatt and Cedric Tillman became NFL players under Heupel’s system, and Hendon Hooker transformed from a Virginia Tech transfer to a Heisman candidate.
Still, even the best developers of talent need a baseline of elite athleticism to compete at the highest levels. Georgia and Alabama aren’t just winning because of scheme—they’re winning because of the sheer volume of top-100 players they bring in every year. For Tennessee to join that tier consistently, the recruiting results must reflect it.
What Must Change?
The good news for Tennessee is that there’s still time to turn things around. The early signing period isn’t until December, and many elite players wait until fall to make final decisions. Tennessee will host key official visits during the season and has a chance to showcase a product that can sell itself if it lives up to expectations.
Here are a few things Tennessee must prioritize:
- Win on the Field in 2024 – Recruiting momentum often follows winning seasons. An SEC title appearance or big wins against Alabama or Georgia could be transformative.
- Secure In-State Talent – The Vols need to keep homegrown stars from leaving for national powers. Locking down Tennessee’s borders is key.
- Close Strong on Defense – Most fans agree that the biggest recruiting need is on the defensive side of the ball, especially at cornerback, linebacker, and edge rusher.
- Leverage NIL Smarter – Tennessee must ensure that NIL conversations remain clear, attractive, and organized—especially as other schools grow their collectives.
- Maintain a Cohesive Message – Coaching staff consistency and a unified recruiting pitch can make all the difference in a chaotic cycle like this one.
Recruiting is a marathon, not a sprint. But with each passing month of underwhelming results, the margin for error shrinks. Tennessee’s fanbase has grown used to seeing upward momentum under Josh Heupel, so this lull in 2025 recruiting has understandably sparked frustration and nervousness.
Still, this is not the time to hit the panic button. There is talent on the roster, a strong offensive identity, and a head coach who has proven he can win in the SEC. But if Tennessee wants to remain a real player on the national stage, the Vols must regain their footing in recruiting—and soon. Otherwise, the narrative may shift from one of progress to one of missed opportunity.
