The early signing period has delivered a major boost to Tennessee football, as the Vols have officially locked in signatures from 21 prospects-many of whom will be on campus early for spring ball. This group brings a mix of blue-chip talent, intriguing upside, and a few key flips from rival programs. Let’s break down who’s enrolling early, who’s arriving in the summer, and what it all means for the future on Rocky Top.
Early Enrollees: On Campus This Spring
Gabriel Osenda - Offensive Tackle
One of the crown jewels of this class, Osenda is a massive get-literally and figuratively.
Rated a five-star by 247Sports and a consensus top-25 player nationally, he’s the kind of bookend tackle that programs build around. Originally from Clearwater, Florida, but playing his high school ball at Baylor School in Chattanooga, Osenda chose the Vols over SEC heavyweights Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina.
Expect him to compete early, especially with his advanced frame and technique.
Edward Baker - Interior Offensive Lineman
A developmental piece with upside, Baker is a three-star prospect out of Baltimore.
While not ranked nationally, he brings versatility and toughness to the interior line. Tennessee beat out Ole Miss and Arkansas for his commitment, and getting him on campus early gives him a head start in the weight room and playbook.
KJ McClain - Safety
McClain, a three-star safety from New Jersey, is a smart, instinctive player.
He’s not flashy on paper, but his tape shows a guy who’s always around the ball. Tennessee won this recruiting battle over Michigan State, and McClain’s early arrival will allow him to get acclimated to SEC speed.
Jowell Combay - Safety
Another safety joining early, Combay brings length and range from Marietta, Georgia.
He’s a three-star across the board but held offers from Georgia, Missouri, South Carolina, and Wisconsin-a sign that the potential is there. He’ll be one to watch in the spring as the Vols look to retool their secondary.
Brayden Rouse - Inside Linebacker
Rouse is a top-100 player nationally and one of the top linebackers in the country.
Out of Marietta, Georgia, he picked Tennessee over Texas, Alabama, and Michigan. This is a big-time get.
Rouse plays downhill, hits with authority, and has the kind of sideline-to-sideline range that fits perfectly in today’s game. He’s enrolling early, and don’t be surprised if he pushes for playing time right away.
Logan Foley - Punter
Coming all the way from Melbourne, Australia, Foley is the latest in a wave of Aussie punters making their way to college football.
He’s not ranked by the major services, but the pedigree from down under is strong. He’ll have a chance to compete for the starting job immediately.
Zach Groves - Edge Rusher
A four-star by 247Sports, Groves is a local product from Nashville with a high motor and great bend off the edge.
He’s been on Tennessee’s radar for a while and chose the Vols over USC and Ole Miss. With his frame and athleticism, he could be a rotational piece early in his career.
Faizon Brandon - Quarterback
This is the headliner.
Brandon is a five-star talent according to 247Sports and ESPN, and ranked as high as the No. 2 overall player in the country. Out of Greensboro, North Carolina, he picked Tennessee over LSU, Alabama, and NC State.
He’s got all the tools-size, arm strength, mobility-and he’ll get a full spring to learn the offense. This is a foundational piece for the future of the program.
Jamyan Theodore - Cornerback
A three-star corner from Chattanooga, Theodore is a developmental prospect with solid size and ball skills.
He had offers from Wisconsin, Louisville, Ole Miss, Kentucky, and Vanderbilt. He’ll benefit from the early enrollment as he adjusts to the college game.
Hezekiah Harris - Edge Rusher
Flipping from Auburn, Harris is a strong pickup for the Vols.
He’s a three-star on 247Sports but rated as a four-star by Rivals and ESPN. Out of Huntsville, Alabama, Harris brings twitch and power off the edge.
He’s another guy who could see the field early if he flashes this spring.
Luke Thompson - Safety
A local product from Franklin, Tennessee, Thompson is a three-star safety who turned down Arkansas State, UConn, and MTSU. He’s a depth piece for now, but early enrollment gives him a chance to carve out a role on special teams.
Tristen Keys - Wide Receiver
Keys is a five-star according to 247Sports and ESPN, and he’s ranked as the No. 2 or No. 1 receiver in the class depending on the service.
Originally committed to LSU, he flipped to Tennessee in a major recruiting win. Out of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Keys brings elite speed, route running, and hands.
He’s the kind of playmaker who can change a game-and he’ll be on campus in time to build chemistry with Brandon.
Luca Wolf - Tight End
A unique addition from Austria via the NFL Global Academy in London, Wolf is a raw but intriguing prospect.
He’s a three-star across the board and flipped from Cal. He’s got size and athleticism, and the early enrollment will be key as he adjusts to the American game.
Joel Wyatt - Defensive Back
Wyatt is one of the more versatile athletes in the class.
A four-star from Murfreesboro, he’s ranked as high as the No. 4 athlete in the country. Tennessee beat out Oklahoma and Vanderbilt for his signature.
Whether he ends up at corner, safety, or nickel, Wyatt has the tools to be a difference-maker.
Darryl Rivers - Defensive Lineman
Rivers is a three-star defensive lineman from Georgia with a solid offer sheet that included Georgia Tech, Mississippi State, and Rutgers.
He’s not flashy, but he brings strength and effort to the interior. Early enrollment gives him a leg up in the trenches.
Kamari Blair - Offensive Tackle
Another key flip, Blair was once committed to South Carolina before choosing the Vols.
A four-star tackle from Clarksville, Tennessee, he’s ranked inside the top 150 nationally. Blair has the frame and footwork to develop into a multi-year starter.
Kedric Golston II - Defensive Lineman
Golston, the son of former NFL lineman Kedric Golston, is a three-star prospect from Virginia.
He’s listed as both an edge rusher and inside linebacker depending on the service. Tennessee beat out Georgia, Rutgers, and Virginia Tech.
He’s got a high football IQ and the bloodlines to match.
TJ White - Linebacker
White is a top-100 player nationally and one of the best inside linebackers in the country.
Out of Jackson, Mississippi, he chose Tennessee over Florida State, Auburn, and Mississippi State. He’s a physical, downhill thumper who should thrive in the SEC.
Getting him in for spring ball is a huge plus.
Standard Enrollees: Arriving This Summer
Tyreek King - Wide Receiver
King is a four-star wideout from Knoxville and one of the top receivers in the class.
He’s ranked as high as the No. 7 receiver nationally by ESPN. The Vols kept him home despite heavy interest from Alabama, Auburn, and Michigan.
He won’t be on campus until summer, but he’s got the tools to make an immediate impact.
Dereon Albert - Defensive Line
Albert is a four-star defensive lineman from Jackson, Mississippi.
He’s ranked as high as the No. 24 player at his position by ESPN. Tennessee beat out Mississippi State and North Carolina for his commitment.
He’ll join in the summer and add depth to the defensive front.
Nic’Quayvion Simmons - Defensive Lineman
Simmons is a three-star from Columbus, Georgia.
He’s not ranked by ESPN, but he’s a solid addition with upside. Committed just before the signing deadline, he’ll arrive in the summer and look to earn a spot in the rotation.
Final Thoughts
Tennessee’s 2025 class is shaping up to be one of the most well-rounded in recent memory. The Vols landed elite talent at key positions-quarterback, offensive tackle, wide receiver, linebacker-and added depth across the board. The fact that so many of these players are enrolling early is a major win for player development and roster flexibility heading into spring camp.
With a mix of five-star firepower and under-the-radar grinders, this group gives Tennessee a strong foundation for the future. The Vols aren’t just collecting stars-they’re building a roster that can compete in the SEC for years to come.