January 17, 2025

Josh Heupel and the Tennessee Volunteers received promising updates on the 2025 recruiting front this Friday regarding two of their top targets.

Tennessee has emerged as a finalist for both David Sanders, Jr., and Jaime Ffrench, two highly sought-after five-star recruits.

While Tennessee being a finalist for Sanders isn’t surprising, On3 Sports’ Steve Wiltfong has projected that the Vols might land the five-star offensive tackle when he announces his college choice on August 17. This prediction, though encouraging, should be viewed cautiously, as such projections can often be unpredictable.

Sanders recently visited the Tennessee campus at the end of July, accompanied by fellow 2025 recruits George MacIntyre, Ethan Utley, and DaSaahn Brame. MacIntyre has been notably active in recruiting for Heupel, making him an unofficial asset to the staff.

In contrast, Ffrench’s decision to list the Vols as a finalist is significant news. On3 Sports’ Hayes Fawcett revealed Ffrench’s final four choices, and the star wide receiver seemingly confirmed his interest by sharing the announcement on social media.

Securing Ffrench would be a major win for Tennessee, especially given the success the team has had in recent years with its passing game and wide receiver development. Although the odds might not heavily favor Tennessee, the Vols remain in contention and will be in the mix when Ffrench announces his decision on August 30.

If Heupel can manage to secure a commitment from either Sanders or Ffrench, it would provide a substantial boost to Tennessee’s already strong recruiting class, currently ranked in the top 10. With Heupel’s recruiting momentum this summer, it’s not out of the realm of possibility that the Vols could land both players, potentially sending shockwaves through the 2025 recruiting landscape.

By the time Tennessee kicks off their season against Chattanooga on August 31, the impact of these decisions may become clear.

 

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