Tennessee Volunteers Waiting in Anticipation As Four-Star Safety Jowell Combay Set to Reveal College Commitment Decision

The Tennessee Volunteers have had their sights set on building a formidable secondary in the Class of 2026, and today could mark a significant step forward in that effort. One of the most highly sought-after defensive backs in the country, Jowell Combay, will announce his college commitment at 5:00 PM EST, and Tennessee is among the final contenders for his signature.

Combay, a 6-foot-1, 190-pound safety from Marietta, Georgia, is a four-star talent who plays his high school football at Kell High School—also home to current Tennessee commit Brayden Rouse. Their bond could play a key role in influencing Combay’s decision, and with defensive backfield talent always at a premium in the SEC, this announcement carries real weight for Josh Heupel and his staff.

While Georgia, South Carolina, Missouri, and Wisconsin are also battling for Combay’s commitment, the Vols are believed to be in strong position heading into today’s decision. For Tennessee fans, this moment is the culmination of months of recruiting momentum and hard-earned relationships.

Combay’s recruiting profile offers a glimpse into the kind of athlete he is: fast, physical, instinctual, and versatile. Whether it’s playing deep in zone coverage, creeping down into the box to defend the run, or matching up against tight ends and bigger receivers in man coverage, Combay showcases the skill set that modern college defenses covet. He’s a film room junkie, a vocal leader on the field, and a player who loves to compete—all qualities that fit seamlessly into what Tennessee is building on Rocky Top.

At Kell, Combay’s impact is obvious. His junior season was filled with highlight plays—interceptions, pass breakups, key third-down stops, and even a few snaps on offense showcasing his athleticism. But it’s his defensive intelligence and range that has coaches across the country excited. “He sees the field like a quarterback,” one SEC recruiter said. “His ability to anticipate where the ball is going before the quarterback even lets it go is rare for a high school player. He’s not just reacting—he’s reading.”

That cerebral approach, combined with his physical tools, makes Combay a potential difference-maker at the next level. And for Tennessee, the potential pairing of Combay with Rouse in the same defensive backfield at the college level is a tantalizing prospect. The two have played together at Kell and share an on-field chemistry that translates into production. If Combay were to join his high school teammate in Knoxville, it could offer Tennessee a leg up in developing cohesion and communication on the back end of the defense.

What makes Tennessee particularly appealing to a player like Combay is the program’s recent progress under Josh Heupel. The Vols are not only recruiting at a high level, but they’re also doing a better job of developing talent and putting players in position to shine. Tennessee’s revamped defensive scheme has placed greater emphasis on athletic, instinctual safeties—players who can cover sideline to sideline and be disruptive in multiple phases of the game.

Tennessee has also proven in recent cycles that it’s capable of closing on big-name recruits. The 2024 and 2025 classes have both included several four-star and even five-star prospects from Georgia and other SEC-heavy states. The coaching staff’s relentless approach, including defensive coordinator Tim Banks and safeties coach Willie Martinez, has created a buzz among elite recruits. Combay has taken multiple visits to Knoxville, and sources say the Vols have left a strong impression.

Another factor potentially tipping things in Tennessee’s favor is the broader trend of Georgia athletes exploring out-of-state options. While UGA remains a major player, the stiff competition within their own depth chart has pushed some high-caliber players to consider places where early playing time and personal fit might be more attainable. For Combay, the promise of competing for early snaps and playing alongside a trusted teammate like Rouse may outweigh the brand-name appeal of some of the other finalists.

Missouri and South Carolina have also made strong pushes. Missouri’s defensive coaching staff has aggressively recruited the Southeast, and South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer has prioritized relationships and culture. Wisconsin represents a unique angle—Combay would be a rare Southern DB heading north, but the Badgers’ recent defensive identity has intrigued prospects looking for physical, old-school football opportunities.

Still, all signs point to a two-program battle between Tennessee and Georgia. If it comes down to relationships, fit, and opportunity, Tennessee might just have the edge.

Off the field, Combay is the kind of person Tennessee coaches love to bring into their locker room. He’s regarded by teachers and teammates as humble, hardworking, and deeply committed to improving his game. His maturity and ability to handle pressure have stood out in recruiting circles. Combay has embraced the spotlight during his high school career but hasn’t let the attention distract him from his team goals and personal development.

Tennessee’s coaching staff has not been shy about their ambitions for this class. Landing a player like Combay would be a symbolic and tangible step forward for a program that continues to gain national relevance under Heupel’s leadership. It would also signal to other elite prospects that the Vols are ready to compete toe-to-toe with the region’s traditional powerhouses for top-tier defensive talent.

It’s also important to note that defensive recruiting has become a high priority in Knoxville. While Tennessee’s offense under Heupel gets much of the attention, the Vols know that closing the gap with teams like Alabama and Georgia requires a defense that can match physicality and speed. Adding Combay would be a major boost in that pursuit, and could be a foundational piece in Tennessee’s long-term defensive rebuild.

With NIL opportunities expanding, state-of-the-art facilities, and a passionate fan base, Tennessee offers a complete package. Combay has been courted by coaches, current players, and even future commits who want him to be part of what they’re building. The fact that his decision is coming in July—months ahead of National Signing Day—suggests he’s comfortable with his choice and ready to focus on the upcoming high school season.

As the clock ticks toward his 5:00 PM EST announcement, Vol Nation waits with bated breath. The addition of Jowell Combay would not only be a huge recruiting win—it would reinforce that Tennessee is serious about fortifying its secondary and competing for SEC titles in the years to come.

Stay tuned. One of the biggest recruiting dominoes of the summer is about to fall, and the Vols are hoping it lands squarely in Knoxville.