Tennessee’s home matchup with Texas last Saturday doubled as a major recruiting stop, and one of the visitors in Neyland Stadium came away with plenty to think about. Jaxen Cepeda, a four-star interior offensive line prospect from Arkansas, was among the many recruits on campus for the game and said the trip gave him a better feel for Tennessee on and off the field.
Cepeda is already drawing heavy attention in the class of 2028, with offers from Georgia, Alabama, Florida, and others. But after spending time around the Vols, he made it clear Tennessee has his attention too.
"The visit was really good. Getting to be there for the Texas game made it even better because the atmosphere was crazy.
Neyland was packed and you could literally feel how much Tennessee football means to everybody there. It was cool getting to experience that in person instead of just seeing it on TV.
I also got to spend more time around the coaches and people there and learn more about what Tennessee is all about," Cepeda said when speaking to Vols On SI.
A big part of that experience was the time he spent with the staff. Cepeda said he connected especially well with Coach Storm and Coach Elarbee, and the conversations covered more than just football.
"I spent a lot of time with Coach Storm and Coach Elarbee; it was really good. I’ve enjoyed getting to know the whole staff, but having that one-on-one time and being able to talk football and life outside of football was important to me.
The conversations felt pretty natural, and I never felt like I was just being recruited. We talked about what they see in me and what they like in my game.
I really appreciate how genuine the coaches have been," Cepeda said.
What stood out most to him was the scale of Tennessee football and the energy around the program. Watching it unfold during the Texas game gave him a clearer picture of what the place offers beyond the field.
"Probably just how big Tennessee football really is and how much the people around the program care about it. Being there for the Texas game and seeing the crowd, the stadium, and the whole environment was different.
It also gave me a better understanding of what the opportunity would look like beyond just football. I’m looking for a place where I can develop as a player, get my degree, compete at the highest level, and be around people who are going to push me, and Tennessee showed me a lot of that," Cepeda said.
For now, Tennessee is firmly in the mix. Cepeda said the Vols are a school he’s taking seriously as he continues to sort through his recruiting process.
"I’d say Tennessee is definitely a school I’m taking seriously. I’ve really enjoyed getting to know the coaches and learning more about the program. I’m still taking my time with the process and getting to know all the schools that are recruiting me," Cepeda said.
A return visit isn’t scheduled yet, but Cepeda didn’t rule one out. He said he wants to keep learning more before making any decisions.
"I don’t have anything locked in right now. I’ve enjoyed every time I’ve been there, and I think there’s still a lot more I want to see and learn about the program before I make any decisions. I’m just trying to take each visit and each conversation for what it is and make sure I’m making the right decision for me when the time comes," Cepeda said.
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