**3-Star Safety Jowell Combay Officially Commits to Tennessee, Choosing the Volunteers Over Georgia, Missouri, and South Carolina**
In a significant recruiting victory for Josh Heupel and the Tennessee Volunteers, three-star safety Jowell Combay has officially announced his commitment to Tennessee. Combay, a talented defensive back from Georgia, chose the Volunteers over strong interest from several SEC rivals, including Georgia, Missouri, and South Carolina. His decision adds another key piece to Tennessee’s 2025 recruiting class, further solidifying the program’s defensive future.
Standing at 6’1” and 190 pounds, Combay brings a blend of size, athleticism, and instinctive playmaking ability to the Volunteers’ secondary. While he may not be the highest-rated prospect in the class, his versatility and physicality make him a valuable addition to Tennessee’s defense. Combay has shown the ability to play both safety and nickel, with a skill set that allows him to excel in coverage while also being a reliable tackler in run support. His high school film demonstrates a player with a high football IQ, quick reaction time, and a willingness to deliver big hits—traits that should translate well to the SEC.
Combay’s recruitment was highly competitive, with multiple SEC programs vying for his commitment. Georgia, the reigning national powerhouse, made a strong push, hoping to keep the in-state talent close to home. Missouri and South Carolina also presented compelling cases, with both programs emphasizing early playing time and defensive schemes that fit Combay’s strengths. However, Tennessee’s coaching staff, led by Heupel and defensive coordinator Tim Banks, managed to separate themselves by showcasing their vision for Combay’s role in the defense and the program’s upward trajectory.
One of the key factors in Combay’s decision was his relationship with Tennessee’s coaching staff. The Volunteers have prioritized building strong connections with recruits, and Combay’s interactions with the staff—particularly safeties coach Willie Martinez—played a crucial role in his commitment. Martinez, a veteran coach with extensive SEC experience, has a proven track record of developing defensive backs, and his pitch to Combay clearly resonated. Additionally, Tennessee’s recent success on the field, including back-to-back strong seasons under Heupel, helped reinforce the idea that the program is on the rise.
Another selling point for Tennessee was the opportunity for early playing time. While the Volunteers have recruited well in the secondary in recent cycles, the depth chart remains open for talented young players to earn snaps. Combay’s skill set fits perfectly into Tennessee’s defensive scheme, which values versatile defensive backs who can play multiple roles. His ability to contribute on special teams early in his career could also accelerate his path to seeing the field.
For Tennessee, landing Combay is another step toward building a defense capable of competing at the highest level in the SEC. The Volunteers have made it a priority to recruit speed and athleticism on the defensive side of the ball, and Combay fits that mold. His commitment adds to what is shaping up to be a strong 2025 class, with Tennessee looking to address key positions of need while also adding depth across the roster.
From a broader perspective, Combay’s decision to choose Tennessee over established programs like Georgia and South Carolina is a testament to the recruiting momentum the Volunteers have built under Heupel. While they may not yet be consistently out-recruiting the Bulldogs or Alabama, they are increasingly winning battles for high-potential prospects who believe in the program’s direction. Combay’s commitment also reinforces Tennessee’s ability to pull talent out of Georgia, a state loaded with high school football talent that is often dominated by the Bulldogs and other regional powers.
Looking ahead, Combay will have the chance to develop into a key contributor for the Volunteers. His physical tools and football instincts give him a high ceiling, and if he continues to refine his technique and adjust to the speed of the SEC, he could become a multi-year starter in Knoxville. Tennessee fans should be excited about his potential, as players with his combination of size and athleticism often thrive in the SEC when given the right coaching and opportunity.
In the bigger picture of Tennessee’s 2025 recruiting class, Combay’s commitment helps address a position of need while also adding another high-upside player to the roster. The Volunteers are looking to build a defense that can compete with the elite offenses in the SEC, and securing talented defensive backs like Combay is a crucial part of that process. His versatility will allow the coaching staff to experiment with different defensive looks, and his competitiveness should make him a fan favorite in the years to come.
As Combay prepares to transition to the college level, he will join a Tennessee program that is hungry to take the next step in the SEC hierarchy. The Volunteers have shown flashes of brilliance under Heupel, but consistency on defense will be key to competing for championships. Players like Combay, who bring toughness and playmaking ability, will be essential in that effort.
For now, Tennessee fans can celebrate another recruiting win as the program continues to build toward a brighter future. Combay’s commitment is a reminder that the Volunteers are a force to be reckoned with on the recruiting trail, even when going head-to-head with the SEC’s best. His decision to choose Tennessee over Georgia, Missouri, and South Carolina speaks volumes about the direction of the program and the belief that Heupel and his staff are building something special in Knoxville.
As the 2025 class continues to take shape, Combay’s commitment will be looked back on as a key moment in Tennessee’s recruiting efforts. His potential impact on the field, combined with the symbolic importance of beating out rival programs for his signature, makes this a significant win for the Volunteers. The future is bright in Knoxville, and Jowell Combay is now a big part of it.
