Tennessee Football Makes Big Moves on Early Signing Day - But Misses on Key RB Target
Tennessee came out swinging on the opening day of the early signing period, putting together an impressive haul that included multiple flips and new commitments. Just as importantly, the Vols haven’t lost a single pledge from their current class - a win in itself during the always-chaotic December recruiting window.
But not everything broke Tennessee’s way.
One of the Vols’ top flip targets, four-star running back Amari Latimer, made a move - just not to Knoxville. Instead, Latimer announced on Wednesday evening that he’s flipping from Wisconsin to West Virginia.
Latimer, out of Sandy Creek High School in Tyrone, Georgia, is ranked as the No. 265 overall player in the country and the No. 19 running back, according to the 247Sports Composite. At 5-foot-11 and 230 pounds, he brings a physical, downhill style to the backfield. Recruiting analyst Andrew Ivins described him as “stocky” and “heavy behind the pads,” and that checks out on tape - he’s a bruiser who can hit top speed in a hurry once he gets through the hole.
Latimer had been committed to Wisconsin since June, but Tennessee had been pushing hard to flip him late in the cycle. Ultimately, West Virginia won out, leaving the Vols without a running back in their 2026 class - unless a late surprise pops up.
Tennessee was also in the mix for Savion Hiter, the No. 1-ranked running back in the country, but he committed to Michigan earlier in the process. As of Wednesday evening (5:30 p.m. ET), Hiter had yet to sign his letter of intent, but there hasn’t been any credible buzz suggesting he’s reconsidering his pledge to the Wolverines.
So, barring something unexpected, Tennessee will go without a running back in this year’s class - a notable absence for a program that’s been working to build depth and versatility in the backfield.
Still, the Vols have put together a strong group overall. They’ve signed 26 players so far, including several high-upside prospects on both sides of the ball. One of the more recent additions is four-star edge rusher Jordan Carter, who is expected to officially sign soon and could be a key piece of the defensive puzzle moving forward.
There’s also one remaining verbal commitment still in limbo: four-star athlete Salesi Moa. The versatile playmaker is being pursued heavily by both Utah and Michigan, and his decision has been pushed beyond the initial signing day. Tennessee remains in the picture, but it’s clear this one will go down to the wire.
All in all, it’s been a productive - if slightly bittersweet - day for Josh Heupel and his staff. They’ve locked in a strong core for the future, even if the backfield remains a question mark for now.