Tennessee’s weekend crowd against Kennesaw State came with more than just a win on the field. The Volunteers also played host to a group of prospects and commits, and a few of them left Knoxville with offers in hand.
One of the biggest developments came for 2028 Westlake (GA) linebacker Cortez Jones, who picked up a Tennessee offer during the visit. For the junior, it capped off what he described as a memorable trip to Rocky Top.
"The visit was great. Me and my family enjoyed ourselves, and had a good time.
The offer felt amazing. It was a surreal moment.
The environment was very welcoming," Jones told Vols on SI.
Jones said the coaching staff started building a relationship with him during the day, with Tennessee football defensive analyst Shane Eachus spending the most time talking with him. The message Jones heard over and over was simple.
"keep putting in work and grinding. Never be satisfied," Jone said.
After the trip and the offer, Jones made it clear he wants to be back in Knoxville. He put it plainly: "Tennessee is no doubt a place I'll visit again," Jones exlaimed.
At 6-foot-3 and 205 pounds, Jones gives Tennessee another young name to track as recruiting heats up over the next year.
The Vols already have some Westlake connections in the pipeline. Sophomore wide receiver Travis Smith Jr. is a Westlake alumni, and Tennessee recently offered another Westlake prospect in 2028 offensive tackle Nassah Williams, who checks in at 6-foot-6 and 280 pounds.
That raises the obvious question: could Tennessee eventually push the Westlake pair as a package deal, or add even more Lions to the board? For now, it’s a waiting game. A lot can change quickly.
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College GameDay Guest Picker For Tennessee Texas Could Spark Vols Debate
ESPNs College GameDay is headed to Knoxville for Tennessees showdown with Texas on Sept. 26, and the familiar guessing game is already underway around who will handle the celebrity guest picker role. When the show comes to a host campus, it usually leans into local flavor, and Tennessee has no shortage of recognizable names to choose from after years of memorable selections that mixed sports, music and comedy.
Rick Barnes, Bianca Belair, Candace Parker and Kenny Chesney are among the names being floated, which gives the Vols plenty to debate before the cameras ever arrive. The decision will matter less for the picks than for the vibe, since GameDay guest spots tend to become part of the weekends identity, especially when a major SEC matchup brings the kind of attention Knoxville is about to get. [Read more 🡒]
Former Vol Kaleb Beasley Is Creating An Uncomfortable Tennessee Question
Kaleb Beasleys move from Tennessee to Louisville has already turned into one of those transfer stories that lingers a little longer for Vols fans. The Nashville product was once viewed as a highly rated local recruit, and after spending time as a backup safety in Knoxville, he has started to find a bigger stage elsewhere. His recent showing in Louisvilles win over SMU made sure the attention followed him, because he was all over the field and came away with a performance that drew national and conference recognition.
For Tennessee, the uncomfortable part is simple: Beasley is suddenly looking like the kind of defensive back the Vols could have used. He led Louisville in tackles and picked off two passes in that game, then added the Walter Camp National Defensive Player of the Week and ACC Defensive Back of the Week honors to the resume. When a former in-state recruit starts stacking that kind of production after leaving town, it naturally invites a second look at how his path unfolded and what it means for the roster Tennessee is trying to build now. [Read more 🡒]
Rick Barnes Just Added More Emotion To Tennessee Vs Texas
Rick Barnes added a little more emotion to an already charged matchup by leaning into the history on both sides before Tennessee meets Texas. The Volunteers coach spent 17 years running the Longhorns program, so his perspective on this one comes with a built-in layer of familiarity, and he made clear he still carries good memories from that time while also showing appreciation for the athletic directors at both schools.
Barnes, though, left no doubt where his focus sits now. Ahead of the game, he spoke as a coach invested in Tennessee and its basketball program, which gives this meeting a little extra edge beyond the usual nonconference intrigue. For Tennessee fans, it is another reminder that this game is more than a reunion for Barnes, even if the details of that Texas connection still linger in the background. [Read more 🡒]