David Sanders Jr. Commits to Tennessee over Clemson, Ohio State & Others

The University of Tennessee has secured a critical piece for its future with the commitment of five-star offensive tackle David Sanders Jr. In a recruitment battle that saw powerhouse programs like Ohio State, Clemson, and Nebraska vying for his talents, Sanders ultimately chose to don the orange and white. This commitment is a significant victory for the Volunteers, as they continue to build one of the best offenses in college football.

David Sanders Jr., standing at 6’6″ and weighing 310 pounds, is a dominant force on the offensive line. Hailing from Charlotte, North Carolina, Sanders is widely regarded as the top offensive tackle and one of the top-5 recruits in the 2025 recruiting class. His combination of size, strength, and agility makes him a formidable presence on the field, with the potential to be a game-changer at the next level.

Landing Sanders is a monumental boost to Tennessee’s 2025 recruiting class. The Volunteers, under head coach Josh Heupel, have been focused on rebuilding the program and returning to the elite ranks of college football. Sanders’ commitment signals that Tennessee is making significant strides in that direction, particularly in the trenches, where games are often won or lost.

They have already done wonders adding offensive weapons like George Macintyre, Travis Smith, DaSaahn Brame, and plenty others. However it has been a while since the Vols have been able to land a potential cornerstone offensive tackle, which could be massive for an offense that loves to air it out. 

The decision to choose Tennessee over other storied programs like Ohio State, Clemson, and Nebraska came down to several key factors. For Sanders, the opportunity to play in the SEC was a major draw. Tennessee’s passionate fan base and the opportunity to be a part of a program on the rise also influenced Sanders’ decision. The Volunteers’ recent success and the vision laid out by Coach Heupel made Tennessee the ideal destination for the talented lineman.

For Tennessee fans, Sanders’ commitment is a reason for optimism. He represents the kind of elite talent that the Volunteers need to compete at the highest level. As Tennessee continues to rise in the national rankings, adding a player like Sanders is a clear indication that the program is on the right track.