In a move that has sent ripples through the college football recruiting landscape, four-star defensive lineman Marcus “Tank” Holloway has officially decommitted from the University of Tennessee. The 6-foot-4, 280-pound powerhouse out of Buford, Georgia, announced the decision on his social media Friday evening, just days before a crucial slate of official visits begins.
This decommitment is a major blow for the Vols, who had counted Holloway as a cornerstone of their 2025 recruiting class. Known for his explosive first step, relentless motor, and uncanny ability to disrupt backfields, Holloway had long been seen as a future anchor on Tennessee’s defensive line—a presence reminiscent of former Vols great Derek Barnett.
In his announcement, Holloway cited a need to “fully evaluate all options and make the best decision for my future,” signaling a desire to reopen communication with multiple programs. He emphasized that the decision was “not about the coaches or the program” but rather about his commitment to making the most informed choice possible.
Still, sources close to the situation say the decommitment may have been brewing for weeks. Though Holloway had made an unofficial visit to Knoxville in early March, his social media activity hinted at growing interest in SEC rivals, including Auburn, LSU, and Florida. One source familiar with the recruiting staff at Tennessee suggested that “he never fully shut things down,” and his decommitment, while disappointing, wasn’t entirely unexpected.
Over the next month, Holloway is slated to visit several top-tier programs. His official visit schedule begins with a trip to LSU, followed by stops at Auburn, Florida State, and Oregon. Each school has rolled out the red carpet for the Georgia native, with defensive line coaches making personal visits and head coaches calling Holloway a “program changer.”
Holloway’s high school head coach, Dan Whitmore, spoke briefly on the situation: “Marcus is a rare talent, and he’s just trying to make the best decision for his future. Wherever he lands, that team is getting a game-wrecker with the drive of a pro.”
Tennessee fans, while disappointed, took to online forums to express support for Holloway’s decision, even as speculation swirls about whether the Vols will re-enter the race or shift focus to other elite prospects like Malik Tennyson or Tyrone Briggs.
With National Signing Day still months away, Holloway’s recruitment is far from over. But one thing is certain: wherever he lands, Marcus “Tank” Holloway is poised to make an immediate impact—and his decommitment has officially made him one of the most sought-after uncommitted defensive linemen in the country.
