Whoa, Whoa! Tez Johnson, 2024’s Best Wide Receiver and 2025’s Top Recruit, Is the Subject of a Stunning, Sensational Deal Made by the Tennessee Volunteers
The world of college football recruiting has always been an arena of high stakes and even higher drama. However, when news broke of a stunning deal between Tez Johnson, the standout wide receiver from the 2024 recruiting class, and the Tennessee Volunteers, it shook the college football world to its core. Not only is Johnson a highly sought-after recruit, but this move represents a seismic shift in the way we view both his future and the direction Tennessee is heading under head coach Josh Heupel.
Who is Tez Johnson?
Before delving into the specifics of his incredible deal with Tennessee, it’s important to understand why Tez Johnson is generating so much buzz in the world of college football. Standing at 6’1″ and weighing in at 185 pounds, Johnson possesses all the physical attributes that make for a top-tier wide receiver: elite speed, precise route running, a quick first step, and an uncanny ability to track the ball in the air. In many ways, Johnson is a modern prototype of what an NFL-wide receiver should look like.
Originally hailing from Pinson, Alabama, Johnson has been turning heads since his early days of high school football. He showcased his ability as both a deep threat and a reliable possession receiver, helping him rise to prominence in recruiting circles. His speed is nothing short of electric, with many scouting reports touting his 40-yard dash times in the sub-4.4-second range—putting him in the same elite category as some of the nation’s top wideout prospects.
But Johnson isn’t just another fast guy on the field. He is a student of the game, constantly refining his craft and working with top-tier trainers to ensure that he maximizes his potential. His highlights are a blend of incredible catches and playmaking, as he routinely makes the impossible seem effortless. As a result, Johnson has quickly climbed up the rankings of the 2024 wide receiver class, and some even consider him the number one receiver heading into the 2024 season.
His combination of athleticism and football IQ has made him an early favorite to be selected high in the NFL Draft when his time comes. But before he can make his mark in the NFL, he first has to choose the right program that will help him take his game to the next level.
The Recruitment Journey
Johnson’s recruitment process has been nothing short of wild. Initially, there was some mystery surrounding where he would land, with a number of programs vying for his commitment. He had his pick of powerhouse programs from across the country, including Alabama, Georgia, and Ohio State. However, as the recruiting process wore on, one school emerged as the clear front-runner—Tennessee.
The Volunteers’ rise under head coach Josh Heupel has been nothing short of impressive. Heupel, who took over as Tennessee’s head coach in 2021, quickly turned the Volunteers into an offensive juggernaut, particularly with the team’s high-paced, explosive air raid attack. As one of the top offensive minds in college football, Heupel’s system has been the perfect fit for Johnson’s skillset. His ability to create mismatches in space and give his wide receivers the opportunity to stretch the field has made Tennessee’s offense one of the most feared units in the SEC.
But it wasn’t just Heupel’s offensive philosophy that drew Johnson to Tennessee. The Volunteers have made a concerted effort to build a relationship with Johnson and his family, establishing trust and making him feel like a key piece in their long-term plans. It’s one thing for a school to offer a recruit a scholarship, but it’s another to make that recruit feel like an essential part of their vision for the future.
Tennessee’s pitch was simple yet effective: Come to Tennessee, help us compete for SEC championships, and, if you’re good enough, we’ll help you get to the NFL.
The Deal: Tennessee’s Sensational Offer
When it comes to recruiting, it’s not just about the scholarship offer anymore. With the introduction of the NCAA’s NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) policy, college athletes now have the opportunity to profit off their name, image, and likeness while still playing for their school. This has opened up new opportunities and complexities in the recruiting process, as programs can offer recruits lucrative NIL deals alongside their athletic scholarships.
In Johnson’s case, Tennessee didn’t just offer a scholarship and the opportunity to play in one of the most high-profile programs in college football. The Volunteers made him an offer that goes well beyond the typical scope of a recruiting deal.
The deal was reportedly worth a staggering seven figures, which is almost unheard of in the world of college football recruiting. While the exact breakdown of the deal has not been publicly disclosed, sources close to the situation suggest that Johnson’s NIL deal includes a combination of endorsement opportunities, social media partnerships, and appearances with local businesses, in addition to traditional financial incentives. Some sources have even speculated that Johnson could make as much as $2 million during his time at Tennessee, a sum that far exceeds most other NIL deals in the college football landscape.
This kind of money is game-changing, not just for Johnson but for the entire college football recruiting landscape. Tennessee’s willingness to offer such a substantial deal signals a shift in how programs will approach the recruitment of top-tier talent moving forward. It’s no longer just about the on-field product—it’s about the total package. And in this case, Tennessee has delivered a deal that is hard to turn down.
The Impact on Tennessee’s Program
For Tennessee, securing a player of Johnson’s caliber is a monumental achievement. Not only will he immediately improve the Volunteers’ already-potent offense, but his presence on the roster will serve as a beacon for other recruits who are considering Tennessee as their potential home. With Johnson in the fold, Tennessee’s recruiting efforts will undoubtedly gain even more momentum, and Heupel’s staff will be able to target even more top-tier talent in the coming years.
Johnson’s addition is also significant for the Volunteers in the SEC, where competition for top recruits is fierce. With programs like Alabama, Georgia, and LSU consistently competing at a high level, landing a top recruit like Johnson is a statement. It shows that Tennessee is not only able to keep up with the elite programs in the SEC, but they are positioning themselves to be a major player in the conference for years to come.
But it’s not just about recruiting. Johnson’s skillset fits perfectly into Heupel’s fast-paced offense. Known for his ability to stretch the field and his knack for making big plays, Johnson will be an instant contributor. He could step in and be a day-one starter, pairing with Tennessee’s other talented wide receivers to form one of the most explosive receiving corps in the country.
What’s Next for Tez Johnson?
As for Johnson himself, the road ahead is full of possibilities. With his eyes set on winning championships at Tennessee, he is undoubtedly eager to make an immediate impact on the field. He will likely see a major role in Tennessee’s offense from day one, with opportunities to showcase his speed and playmaking ability on a national stage.
But there’s no denying that the business side of things is also a major consideration. His NIL deal with Tennessee will provide him with financial stability and opportunities that most college athletes can only dream of. With this new financial freedom, Johnson can focus on honing his craft and preparing for the next level, where NFL scouts will be watching his every move.
At the end of the day, Johnson’s deal with Tennessee represents the changing landscape of college football recruiting. It’s no longer just about picking the right school—it’s about selecting a program that can provide the most complete package, both on and off the field. For Tez Johnson, Tennessee has proven to be that program.
Tez Johnson’s decision to commit to the Tennessee Volunteers and the stunning NIL deal that accompanies his commitment is a watershed moment in college football recruiting. The deal sets a new precedent for how programs can attract top-tier talent, and it represents a shift in how athletes will be compensated for their efforts in the college game. For Johnson, it’s the beginning of what could be a storied career at Tennessee and beyond. For Tennessee, it’s a major step forward in their quest to become a true powerhouse in college football. The future of both Johnson and the Volunteers looks incredibly bright, and the ripple effects of this deal will be felt for years to come.