The Tennessee Volunteers football staff has been pulling out all the stops in their recruiting efforts since their 2024 season came to an end. Head coach Josh Heupel, while disappointed after the team’s loss to Ohio State at The Shoe, wasted no time shifting focus to building for the future. The recruiting trail has been buzzing with activity, with several high-profile targets making their way to Knoxville in recent weeks.
One notable highlight for the Volunteers is the recent commitment from Star Thomas, a key addition to their recruiting class. But Tennessee fans may not have to wait long for more good news. Another elite prospect could potentially wrap up his recruitment sooner than anticipated, adding even more excitement to the program’s efforts.
Last week, four-star linebacker Brayden Rouse, one of the most sought-after recruits in the 2024 class, visited Knoxville for an unofficial trip. Rouse attended the Vols’ junior day and reportedly had an exceptional experience. So much so that recruiting expert Steve Wiltfong of On3 has officially predicted that Tennessee and Josh Heupel are in prime position to secure his commitment. The buzz around this potential signing is palpable.
Rouse’s credentials speak for themselves. According to the 247Sports Composite rankings, he is the No. 17 linebacker in the nation and the No. 195 player overall. However, 247Sports’ individual rankings are even higher on him, placing the 6-foot-3, 205-pound Georgia native as the No. 4 linebacker nationally and the No. 67 player overall. These rankings highlight Rouse’s status as one of the top defensive prospects in the country.
The interest in Rouse is immense, as evidenced by his nearly 30 scholarship offers from some of college football’s most prestigious programs. Alabama, Georgia, Auburn, South Carolina, West Virginia, Michigan, and Arizona State are just a few of the schools vying for his signature. Despite this, Tennessee has made a strong case for itself, thanks to the efforts of Heupel and his staff.
What makes Rouse’s recruitment even more intriguing is his connection to Marietta, Georgia, a region that typically sees top players lean toward staying in-state with the powerhouse Georgia Bulldogs. Surprisingly, however, Kirby Smart and the Bulldogs do not appear to be the front-runners in this case. This opens the door for Tennessee to capitalize and potentially win a major recruiting battle.
While there is no definitive timeline for Rouse’s decision, Tennessee appears to be in an excellent position. He may choose to take additional official visits before making his commitment, but there is growing optimism that the Volunteers could secure a verbal pledge sooner rather than later. With Rouse firmly on the program’s radar, Heupel and his staff are undoubtedly keeping a close watch as the situation develops.
If Tennessee does manage to land Rouse, it would not only bolster their linebacker corps but also send a strong message about the direction of the program under Heupel. The battle for Rouse is far from over, but Tennessee’s aggressive recruiting efforts have placed them in a commanding position. For now, Vols fans will be eagerly awaiting more updates, as the potential addition of Brayden Rouse could be a game-changing moment for the program.
BREAKING: Tennessee football predicted to land nation’s No. 4 LB after recent visit
