Joshua Dobson's recruitment just took another turn, and it’s one that Tennessee fans will want to keep a close eye on.
The five-star cornerback - ranked as the No. 3 player in the 2026 class by 247 Composite - was expected to visit Knoxville this weekend. That visit is now on hold. Instead, Dobson will head to College Station to check out Texas A&M, and as of now, there’s no confirmed date for when he’ll make it to Rocky Top.
Make no mistake, Dobson is a priority target for Tennessee - and for good reason. He’s the kind of elite defensive back who can anchor a secondary from day one.
Long, physical, and instinctive, Dobson has the tools to be a game-changer at the next level. And Tennessee’s staff knows it.
The Vols were one of the first programs to recognize his potential, offering him a scholarship back in June 2024 following a standout performance at a camp in Knoxville. Since then, Dobson’s been on campus multiple times, including a visit during the past season that gave him a taste of the game day atmosphere at Neyland Stadium. So while this weekend’s change in plans might raise a few eyebrows, it’s not a sign that Tennessee is out of the picture - far from it.
This is a pivotal moment for the Vols’ new-look defensive staff. Head coach Josh Heupel and newly hired cornerbacks coach Michael Hunter Jr. recently visited Dobson at his high school, laying the groundwork for what needs to be an ongoing relationship. But with Dobson’s visit now postponed, the pressure shifts to the rest of the defensive brain trust - particularly new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles and co-defensive coordinator/safeties coach Anthony Poindexter.
Both coaches bring strong résumés and fresh energy to a unit that’s undergone significant change. Knowles takes over for Tim Banks, who was fired, and Poindexter steps in following the departure of longtime secondary coach Willie Martinez, who was not retained.
The challenge now? Selling Dobson on how he fits into their vision.
It’s not just about pitch meetings or film sessions - it’s about trust and connection. Dobson already has a relationship with Heupel and several others in the building, and that continuity could be crucial. But the new staff will need to reinforce that bond and show Dobson how he can thrive in their system, both as a player and a leader.
Recruitments like this are never linear. Visits shift, priorities evolve, and coaching staffs change.
But Tennessee is still very much in this race. Now, it’s about staying aggressive, staying connected, and making sure that when Dobson does eventually make it back to Knoxville, the program is ready to make its strongest impression yet.