Tennessee in Danger of Losing Highly Touted Playmaker to Notre Dame

Recruiting battles in college football are nothing new, but every now and then, one comes along that has the potential to change the trajectory of two storied programs. That’s exactly the kind of fight brewing between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Tennessee Volunteers, as Notre Dame appears to be making serious strides in its attempt to flip a highly regarded playmaker currently committed to the Vols. This tug-of-war represents more than just a single commitment—it’s a clash of cultures, brands, coaching staffs, and long-term visions.

The name that has Tennessee fans on edge and Notre Dame fans increasingly optimistic is Camron “CJ” Daniels, a four-star athlete from Buford, Georgia, who has long been seen as one of the most explosive offensive prospects in the 2025 recruiting cycle. Currently rated as the No. 6 athlete in the country and the No. 52 overall player according to 247Sports, Daniels is the kind of elite hybrid who can excel as a slot receiver, running back, or even wildcat quarterback depending on the offensive system.

At 6-foot-1, 195 pounds, Daniels combines rare speed, top-end acceleration, and a playmaking instinct that makes him dangerous every time he touches the ball. His junior season saw him rack up over 1,800 total yards and 24 touchdowns, including punt and kick return scores. He’s a human highlight reel who thrives in space and can take the top off a defense.

Daniels committed to Tennessee back in February, citing his relationship with head coach Josh Heupel and wide receivers coach Kelsey Pope, as well as the fast-paced, vertical offense the Vols have become known for. However, in recent weeks, Notre Dame has re-emerged as a major player in his recruitment, leading to widespread speculation that Daniels may be reconsidering his decision.

Notre Dame’s recruiting staff, led by Marcus Freeman and offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock, has been aggressive in targeting versatile, dynamic offensive players to fit into their evolving scheme. With the Irish looking to modernize their offense and compete more consistently in the CFP era, they’ve made it a priority to bring in players like Daniels who can change games in multiple ways.

Freeman has reportedly been in constant communication with Daniels and his family, and sources close to the situation say the Irish have made Daniels feel like a “centerpiece” of their 2025 class. During a recent unofficial visit to South Bend, Daniels was seen bonding closely with current players, particularly incoming freshman wide receiver Micah Gilbert and quarterback CJ Carr, who himself was once committed to Michigan before flipping to Notre Dame.

The Irish are selling a clear vision: Daniels could walk into South Bend and immediately become a featured weapon in an offense that’s undergoing a philosophical shift. With Carr at the helm in the near future, the Irish are promising Daniels the opportunity to be “Notre Dame’s Deebo Samuel”—a multi-role weapon who can dominate in the open field and dictate defensive matchups.

Tennessee’s offense has been a perfect match for players like Daniels. Under Josh Heupel, the Volunteers have consistently ranked among the nation’s top units in points per game, tempo, and vertical explosiveness. Daniels’ commitment in February was seen as a validation of Heupel’s recruiting reach in Georgia and the appeal of the Vols’ offensive system to elite talent.

But now, with Notre Dame surging, there’s concern that the Vols might not be doing enough to solidify Daniels’ commitment. While Tennessee has continued to make Daniels a priority and maintain frequent communication, insiders say that Notre Dame’s message has been “more personal and persistent.”

Moreover, a few dynamics could be working against Tennessee. One is the uncertainty surrounding the Vols’ quarterback room. While Nico Iamaleava is a five-star talent and expected to start in 2025, there’s still the unknown of how the offense will evolve post-Joe Milton. Daniels may be seeking more assurance about how exactly he’ll be used, and Notre Dame appears to be offering clearer, more defined plans.

Make no mistake—this isn’t just a battle over a four-star athlete. This is about perception and momentum. Both Tennessee and Notre Dame are trying to reassert themselves as top-tier programs that can consistently compete in the Playoff. Landing (or keeping) Daniels could be a bellwether for each program’s future.

For Notre Dame, flipping Daniels would signify that the Freeman era is hitting its recruiting stride. Freeman has already proven himself capable of pulling in elite talent, but this would mark one of the first times he’s flipped a high-profile SEC commit—a power move that could reverberate through the recruiting world.

For Tennessee, holding onto Daniels would be a sign that their culture is strong enough to withstand even the most aggressive poaching efforts. It would reinforce Heupel’s image as a player-friendly coach with a proven track record of developing offensive weapons. More importantly, it would help Tennessee retain a crucial piece of its 2025 recruiting class, currently ranked in the top 10 nationally.

One important factor in Daniels’ decision could be his family’s preferences. His parents have strong academic priorities, and Notre Dame’s prestige as a university is said to be playing a role in their interest. That said, Daniels has long-standing relationships with members of Tennessee’s staff and players, including fellow Georgian and Tennessee freshman Mike Matthews.

Sources close to the Daniels family suggest that comfort, fit, and development are the three biggest factors in his decision. While NIL opportunities will certainly be a consideration, those in his camp say it’s not the primary driver.

Both schools are offering strong development plans. Tennessee emphasizes its recent track record with players like Jalin Hyatt and Cedric Tillman. Notre Dame is pointing to its revamped offensive staff and an increasingly modern approach that’s more appealing to top athletes.

Recruiting analysts remain split on Daniels’ future. 247Sports’ Steve Wiltfong recently noted that “Notre Dame has done an incredible job closing the gap,” and even placed Daniels on his “flip watch” list. Meanwhile, On3’s Chad Simmons said he still leans toward Tennessee but added, “Notre Dame has made this a real battle—they’re not going away anytime soon.”

Rivals.com recruiting director Adam Gorney provided the most telling quote: “If Daniels flips, it won’t be because Tennessee did anything wrong—it will be because Notre Dame simply out-recruited them down the stretch.”

Daniels is expected to take official visits to both Notre Dame and Tennessee this summer, and sources indicate that he’ll likely make a final decision before the high school season begins in August. A third program—Georgia—is reportedly trying to get involved, but this appears to be a two-horse race for now.

The upcoming official visit to Notre Dame could be a tipping point. Daniels has already seen the campus twice, but an official visit offers more in-depth access, a chance to spend time with position coaches, and an opportunity to visualize life in South Bend.

Tennessee, for its part, is planning a massive recruiting weekend in June to bring its top targets and commits to Knoxville. Keeping Daniels locked in will be a top priority for the Vols’ staff during that visit.

NIL can’t be ignored in this conversation. While both programs are considered strong in the NIL space, Tennessee has been particularly aggressive and organized with its collective, Spyre Sports Group. However, Notre Dame has improved significantly in this area over the last year, creating new avenues for athletes to monetize their brand while still emphasizing academics and long-term career development.

Daniels is considered a marketable athlete thanks to his highlight-reel plays and charismatic personality. Either school would offer him significant NIL opportunities, but Notre Dame’s pitch of “legacy value” and academic backing has reportedly resonated with the Daniels family.

As things currently stand, this is a dead heat. Tennessee holds the commitment, and the Vols still feel confident in their chances. But Notre Dame has all the momentum and is making Daniels feel more like a foundational piece rather than just a cog in the machine.

If Notre Dame does manage to flip Daniels, it would be one of the biggest recruiting coups of the Marcus Freeman era. It would also send a message to the college football world: Notre Dame isn’t afraid to step into SEC territory and win head-to-head battles.

For Tennessee, holding onto Daniels would reaffirm the program’s stability and staying power, even amid outside pressure. In the ever-fluid world of college football recruiting, this battle may come down to who can make Daniels feel most like a future star—both on the field and off it.

One thing is clear: Camron Daniels holds the power, and two blue-blood programs are doing everything they can to earn his signature. The fireworks are far from over.