Trade: Five-Star OT, Commits To Vols, Flips From Alabama
Josh Heupel and the Tennessee Volunteers made significant strides on the recruiting front over the weekend, adding two major commitments.
With high expectations surrounding the team, particularly with former five-star quarterback Nico Iamaleava now starting, Tennessee secured another top recruit. On Saturday, five-star offensive tackle David Sanders Jr., one of the top players in the 2025 class, committed to the Vols over Ohio State, Nebraska, and Georgia.
Sanders, the nation’s top offensive tackle and the No. 2 overall player according to the 247Sports Composite, cited the consistent and genuine interest from Tennessee as a key factor in his decision. “Tennessee, they just showed me love from the beginning,” Sanders said. “I felt that love since the very beginning, and I just knew that was home.”
The following day, Tennessee made another notable addition by landing four-star linebacker Jaedon Harmon. Harmon, who had been committed to Alabama since April, switched his commitment to the Volunteers, marking a significant recruiting win for Tennessee.
I want to thank the entire Alabama staff for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to play for a great great program! Respect my Decision #GBO🍊 @WilliamInge1 @coachjoshheupel https://t.co/SxxbjX7FXO
— Jaedon Harmon 4⭐️ LB (@JaedonHarmon10) August 18, 2024
New Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer had continued Nick Saban’s strong recruiting efforts, so Tennessee’s success in recruiting Jaedon Harmon is a significant achievement. Harmon, ranked as the No. 18 linebacker in the nation by the 247Sports Composite, is a notable coup for the Volunteers.
With these additions, Josh Heupel and Tennessee now boast the sixth-ranked recruiting class in the country. The high expectations for both the 2024 season and beyond reflect the growing momentum for the program. Heupel attributes this positive shift not only to on-field success but also to the growing appeal of Tennessee on the recruiting trail.