Tennessee Football Recruiting Momentum Builds as Several High-Priority Targets Prepare to Announce Their College Decisions Very Soon
As the Tennessee Volunteers continue their relentless push on the recruiting trail under head coach Josh Heupel, the next few weeks could prove pivotal for the program’s 2025 and 2026 recruiting classes. With momentum surging from recent commitments, on-campus visits, and strong performances at summer camps, Tennessee is now in the mix for several top prospects who are nearing decision time. The question on everyone’s mind: Who’s next?
Tennessee already holds a solid foundation in its 2025 class, but the staff knows it’s the upcoming wave of elite commits that can elevate this group from solid to special. From blue-chip defenders to dynamic playmakers on offense, the Vols are in prime position for several priority targets. Some have set commitment dates. Others are closing in on their final choices after visiting Knoxville or listing Tennessee among their finalists.
The following is a deep dive into some of the most likely candidates to commit to Tennessee in the near future, based on insider buzz, visits, social media activity, and long-standing relationships with the Vols coaching staff.
One of Tennessee’s top remaining defensive line targets in the 2025 class, PJ Dean is nearing his decision and has Tennessee among his final schools. The four-star from Washington, D.C. has seen his stock rise after an impressive spring, and he took a key official visit to Tennessee earlier this summer. The Vols are competing with South Carolina, Ohio State, and Georgia Tech for the explosive edge rusher, but the bond he’s developed with defensive line coach Rodney Garner and the overall fit in Tennessee’s aggressive defense has made the Vols a strong contender. Dean is expected to announce soon, and Tennessee is well-positioned to land his commitment.
Tennessee’s secondary class could receive a major boost if they can land Amari Wallace, the Miami-based cornerback who recently included the Vols in his final group. Heupel and his staff have made Wallace a top priority at the position, with defensive backs coach Willie Martinez leading the charge. Wallace visited Knoxville and came away impressed with the facilities, the atmosphere, and the opportunity for early playing time. With schools like Florida State and Miami also in the mix, it won’t be easy, but Tennessee has real momentum and could secure a commitment if things continue trending in the right direction.
A versatile and athletic defender from Lipscomb Academy in Nashville, CJ Jimcoily is another high-priority target who could be close to pulling the trigger. Tennessee has long been seen as the favorite here thanks to proximity, familiarity, and consistent communication. Jimcoily has visited Tennessee multiple times and maintains a strong relationship with the staff. He has also drawn interest from programs like LSU and Auburn, but the Vols’ edge in this recruitment has remained steady. If he decides to shut things down this summer, Tennessee would be the likely choice.
Jared Smith – Elite 2026 Quarterback
Though technically a 2026 prospect, Jared Smith is a name that Tennessee fans should keep close tabs on. The elite Georgia quarterback has vaulted into national prominence and already has offers from programs like Georgia, Florida State, and Alabama. However, Tennessee’s early relationship with Smith has been critical. He’s visited Knoxville several times and speaks highly of the development of quarterbacks under Heupel. The Vols are looking to secure an early quarterback commitment in the 2026 cycle, and if Smith decides to commit before his junior season, Tennessee will have a strong chance to land him.
One of the fastest-rising names in the Southeast, Tyler Redmond has caught the attention of several major programs. Tennessee got in early and hosted the Georgia native for an unofficial visit, leaving a positive impression. Redmond has yet to set a decision date, but those around his recruitment believe the Vols are in his top two. With his speed, instincts, and upside as a multi-scheme corner, Redmond would be a valuable addition to Tennessee’s class. Look for movement on this front as fall nears.
Tennessee is looking to add one more running back in its 2025 class, and Bo Walker might be the one. A powerful yet elusive back from the Magnolia State, Walker fits the mold of a downhill runner with the ability to catch passes out of the backfield. Tennessee has hosted Walker and his family on campus and has made him feel like a top priority. With SEC rivals Ole Miss and Arkansas pushing hard, the Vols will need to seal the deal soon. His decision timeline could line up with a summer or early fall commitment.
Tennessee has done well recruiting linebackers in recent years, and Zy Morrow could be the next to join the fold. The Alabama native brings toughness, athleticism, and a high football IQ. The Vols have been consistent in their communication and hosted Morrow earlier this offseason. While Auburn and Florida are trying to make up ground, Tennessee has laid a solid foundation. Morrow is expected to decide before the fall, and the Vols are firmly in the mix.
After backing off his pledge to Texas A&M, Tristan Jernigan has emerged as a realistic flip target for Tennessee. The linebacker has connections to multiple SEC programs, but Tennessee has prioritized him since his decommitment. He visited Knoxville and came away impressed with the coaching staff, especially linebackers coach Brian Jean-Mary. Tennessee’s defensive scheme and need for depth at linebacker have made the Vols a very appealing landing spot. He could be one of the more high-profile commits if he chooses Tennessee soon.
Jordon Davison – National Running Back Prospect
Davison, a top-100 running back out of California, is a longshot geographically but has remained intrigued by Tennessee. He visited earlier in the process and continues to list the Vols among his top schools. While Ohio State and Oregon might lead the pack, Tennessee is making a late push and hopes to get him back on campus before a final decision. He’s one of the most productive backs in the 2025 class and would be a huge get if Tennessee can pull off the upset.
While Ethan Utley’s recruitment has been relatively quiet recently, the Nashville native remains a target the Vols would love to add. Tennessee is competing with Michigan and Alabama, but home-state ties could give the Vols an edge if they make another big push. Utley’s strength, motor, and scheme versatility make him an ideal fit in Tennessee’s defensive front. A commitment before his senior season is possible, and the Vols will be pushing hard down the stretch.
Tennessee’s pursuit of tight ends has led them to Nebraska standout Chase Loftin, a 6-foot-5 athlete with soft hands and impressive blocking ability. The Vols want to add another tight end to complement their offensive attack, and Loftin could fill that role well. He visited Knoxville and spoke highly of the offense and the opportunity to play early. With schools like Wisconsin and Missouri also in pursuit, Tennessee must continue building on its momentum. Loftin’s decision could come before the start of his senior season.
With a wave of decisions on the horizon, Tennessee is poised to add to its growing 2025 class in a big way. The Vols are in strong position for several blue-chip defenders and key offensive contributors. The staff’s consistent recruiting strategy—targeting character, fit, and positional need—continues to pay off. As visits wrap up and prospects finalize their lists, Tennessee’s recruiting operation will look to convert those relationships into commitments.
Heupel’s staff isn’t just looking for talent—they’re identifying leaders, competitors, and long-term program fits. If even half of the targets above commit, Tennessee will climb the national recruiting rankings and position itself to contend in the new-look SEC.
With decision season heating up, Tennessee fans should keep an eye on social media, recruiting services, and official announcements. There’s a good chance the next big commitment is just around the corner—and the Vols aren’t done yet.
