In a significant boost to their 2025 recruiting class, the University of Tennessee has secured a commitment from five-star offensive tackle David Sanders Jr., marking a pivotal moment in the program’s pursuit of national prominence. Sanders, hailing from Providence Day School in Charlotte, North Carolina, is widely regarded as the top offensive tackle and the No. 2 overall prospect in the 2025 class.
Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 270 pounds, Sanders has been a coveted recruit, drawing interest from powerhouse programs such as Alabama, Georgia, Clemson, Ohio State, and South Carolina. His decision to commit to Tennessee underscores the program’s growing appeal under head coach Josh Heupel. “The Volunteers, they’ve been on top for a very long time,” Sanders remarked. “Coach Heupel and that coaching staff, they’ve done an amazing job for me and my family.”
Sanders’ commitment is not only a testament to Tennessee’s recruiting prowess but also a significant addition to their offensive line. The Vols have a history of developing top-tier offensive linemen, with recent examples including Darnell Wright and Wanya Morris from the 2019 class. Wright became an All-SEC performer and was the No. 10 pick by the Chicago Bears in 2023, while Morris transferred to Oklahoma and was drafted in the third round by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2023.
The 2025 recruiting class for Tennessee is shaping up to be formidable. Sanders joins a roster of talented commits, including quarterback George MacIntyre, offensive lineman Douglas Utu, tight end Da’Saahn Brame, safety Lagonza Hayward, and defensive lineman Mariyon Dye, among others. This influx of talent reflects the program’s upward trajectory and its commitment to competing at the highest level.
Sanders’ decision to join the Volunteers is a significant milestone for Tennessee football, signaling a bright future as they continue to attract top-tier talent and build a competitive program.
Tennessee’s success in landing David Sanders Jr. is not just about adding another highly ranked player—it’s a statement about where the program is headed. The Volunteers have steadily improved under Josh Heupel, and this recruiting class shows that elite prospects believe in the vision he and his staff are selling.
What Sanders Brings to Tennessee
Sanders is a game-changer at offensive tackle. At 6-foot-6 and 270 pounds, he possesses a rare combination of size, athleticism, and technique that makes him an elite prospect. His footwork is already at an advanced level, and his ability to move in space is impressive for a lineman of his stature. Scouts rave about his pass protection skills, noting that he has the lateral quickness and hand placement to neutralize elite edge rushers.
One of the biggest reasons Tennessee fans should be excited is Sanders’ upside. He has the frame to add more muscle, and once he gets into a college strength and conditioning program, he could develop into one of the most dominant linemen in the SEC. He also has the versatility to play either tackle spot, though he projects as a left tackle at the next level.
His commitment to Tennessee also means the Vols will be getting a player with strong leadership qualities. Sanders has been praised for his work ethic and intelligence, both on and off the field. He’s the type of player who can anchor an offensive line for years and set the tone for the entire unit.
Tennessee’s Offensive Line Outlook
With Sanders in the fold, Tennessee’s offensive line outlook for the future looks incredibly promising. The Vols have been steadily building depth in the trenches, and Sanders could be the piece that elevates them to another level.
In the past, Tennessee has struggled with offensive line consistency, but that has changed under Heupel. Developing linemen has been a priority, and Sanders joins a group that already includes some talented young players. Pairing Sanders with four-star offensive lineman Douglas Utu from Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, NV) gives Tennessee one of the best offensive line hauls in the 2025 cycle.
Protecting the quarterback is always a priority, especially in Heupel’s fast-paced offensive system. Sanders’ presence will be critical in keeping Tennessee’s quarterbacks upright and giving them time to operate. His ability to dominate in pass protection should help the Vols maintain their high-scoring offense, which has been one of the most explosive in the SEC.
The Impact on Tennessee’s 2025 Recruiting Class
Sanders’ commitment is also significant because it helps Tennessee continue building momentum on the recruiting trail. The Vols’ 2025 class is already shaping up to be one of their best in recent memory, and adding a five-star player at a premium position only strengthens their standing.
Tennessee’s class includes some elite talent across multiple positions. Quarterback George MacIntyre, a five-star signal-caller from Brentwood Academy in Tennessee, is expected to be the face of the class. MacIntyre’s commitment gives the Vols a cornerstone player at the most important position, and adding Sanders ensures that he’ll have top-tier protection.
Defensively, Tennessee has also landed some key pieces, including defensive lineman Mariyon Dye and safety Lagonza Hayward. The Vols are focused on bringing in difference-makers on both sides of the ball, and Sanders’ commitment is another step toward building a championship-caliber roster.
Beating Out the SEC’s Best for Sanders
Winning a recruiting battle for a five-star player is never easy, and Tennessee had to fight off some of college football’s biggest programs to secure Sanders’ commitment. Schools like Alabama, Georgia, and Clemson were all heavily involved in his recruitment, but Tennessee was able to separate itself.
A major factor in Sanders’ decision was his relationship with the Tennessee coaching staff. Heupel and his assistants made Sanders a top priority from the start, and their persistence paid off. Offensive line coach Glen Elarbee played a key role in the recruitment, building a strong rapport with Sanders and selling him on the opportunity to develop into an elite lineman in Knoxville.
Another factor was Tennessee’s trajectory as a program. The Vols have been trending upward since Heupel’s arrival, and recruits are taking notice. The team’s recent success, combined with the electric atmosphere at Neyland Stadium, has made Tennessee an attractive destination for top prospects.
The Future of Tennessee Football
With Sanders now in the fold, Tennessee is positioning itself as a legitimate contender in the SEC. The Vols have been closing the gap on Georgia and Alabama, and securing commitments from players like Sanders is a sign that they’re ready to compete with the conference’s elite programs.
The key moving forward will be development. Recruiting top talent is important, but Tennessee must continue to develop its players to maximize their potential. If Sanders reaches his ceiling, he could be a future first-round NFL Draft pick and an anchor for Tennessee’s offensive line for years to come.
Additionally, his commitment could have a ripple effect, influencing other top recruits to take a serious look at Tennessee. High-profile players want to play with other elite talent, and Sanders’ decision could help the Vols land more top-tier prospects in the 2025 class and beyond.
Conclusion
Landing a five-star offensive tackle like David Sanders Jr. is a game-changing moment for Tennessee football. His commitment solidifies the Vols’ status as a rising power in the SEC and gives them an elite talent who can make an immediate impact.
With Sanders in the mix, Tennessee’s 2025 recruiting class is shaping up to be one of its best in recent history. Pairing him with quarterback George MacIntyre and other top recruits puts the Vols in a strong position for the future.
As Tennessee continues to build momentum on the recruiting trail, fans have plenty of reasons to be excited. If Sanders and his fellow commits live up to their potential, the Volunteers could be on the verge of something special in the coming years.