In a stunning turn of events, five-star offensive tackle David Sanders Jr. has committed to the Tennessee Volunteers for the 2025 college football season, bypassing powerhouse programs such as Nebraska, Texas, and Ohio State. This marks a significant milestone for Tennessee, as Sanders is not only the highest-rated recruit in the 2025 class but also the top-rated offensive tackle in the nation.

In a stunning turn of events, five-star offensive tackle David Sanders Jr. has committed to the Tennessee Volunteers for the 2025 college football season, bypassing powerhouse programs such as Nebraska, Texas, and Ohio State. This marks a significant milestone for Tennessee, as Sanders is not only the highest-rated recruit in the 2025 class but also the top-rated offensive tackle in the nation. 

 

🏈 A Game-Changing Commitment

 

Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 290 pounds, Sanders hails from Providence Day School in Charlotte, North Carolina. He is regarded as the No. 2 overall prospect in the 2025 class by 247Sports, trailing only five-star quarterback Bryce Underwood of LSU. His decision to join Tennessee over other elite programs has sent shockwaves through the college football recruiting landscape.  

 

🔥 Tennessee’s Recruiting Surge

 

Sanders’ commitment adds to a series of high-profile signings for Tennessee. In June, four-star interior offensive lineman Douglas Utu also pledged to the Volunteers, choosing them over Nebraska, Alabama, and other top programs. Together, Sanders and Utu form a formidable offensive line duo, bolstering Tennessee’s 2025 recruiting class and signaling a shift in the SEC recruiting hierarchy. 

 

🏆 Nebraska and Texas Left in the Wake

 

While Nebraska and Texas were among Sanders’ finalists, they ultimately fell short in securing his commitment. Nebraska, despite having a strong recruiting class, was considered “a little late to the party” by Sanders, who praised the efforts of freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola in bringing him to campus. Texas, on the other hand, has been focusing on other positions, such as wide receiver, where they secured a commitment from five-star Kaliq Lockett. 

 

🚀 Implications for the Future

 

Sanders’ decision is a testament to Tennessee’s growing prominence in college football recruiting. With the addition of top-tier talent like Sanders and Utu, the Volunteers are poised to make a significant impact in the SEC and on the national stage in