BREAKING: Tennessee Volunteers Pull Off Major In-State Commitment Flip, Securing Top Local Talent
In a major victory for their recruiting efforts, the #7 Tennessee Volunteers have successfully flipped a commitment from a highly regarded in-state recruit, further solidifying their hold on local talent and bolstering their roster for future seasons. The commitment flip is seen as a significant move for the Volunteers, who are not only looking to dominate on the field this season but also build a powerhouse for years to come.
The recruit, Brenden Anes, a talented three-star outside linebacker from Tennessee, had previously pledged his future to the Wisconsin Badgers. His initial commitment to Wisconsin had been strong, with Anes holding one of the longest-standing pledges in the Badgers’ 2025 recruiting class, a commitment he had made back in January. However, after an October game-day visit to Knoxville, the atmosphere, camaraderie, and promising trajectory of the Volunteers program seemed to have made a lasting impression. On October 31, Anes made a decisive move, decommitting from Wisconsin and announcing his new commitment to Tennessee on the same day.
Tennessee’s recruiting team, led by head coach Josh Heupel, has been relentlessly working to secure top in-state talent and bring these players into the fold at Neyland Stadium. Anes’s commitment is a win not only for the Volunteers’ defensive lineup but also for their broader recruitment strategy. Tennessee had initially extended a scholarship offer to Anes before Wisconsin did, back in November 2023. However, the linebacker had initially leaned toward Wisconsin’s program, drawn by the culture the Badgers are cultivating and the strong playing opportunities he saw in the Big Ten school.
But Tennessee’s staff remained undeterred, continuing to pursue Anes and making a renewed push earlier this season to bring him to Knoxville. The visit to Neyland Stadium in October, where Anes witnessed the electrifying energy of Tennessee football firsthand, was reportedly the turning point in his recruitment. It’s clear that the Volunteers’ program, which has seen a resurgence under Coach Heupel, is now competing on a national level to bring top talent to Knoxville.
Anes’s flip is also emblematic of a larger recruiting trend. As Tennessee continues to rise in the college football ranks, they’re actively working to establish themselves as a premier destination for both local and out-of-state recruits. Winning over a key player like Anes, who was committed to a Power Five program, underscores the appeal and competitiveness of the Volunteers program in the current landscape of college football.
For Tennessee fans, this move represents much more than just another addition to the 2025 class. It’s a sign that the Volunteers are positioning themselves to not only challenge the top teams in the SEC but to take on a national role. Anes’s commitment flip sends a strong message to recruits across the country: the Tennessee Volunteers are here to contend, and they’re building a winning culture that prioritizes both individual development and team success.
As the Volunteers continue their march through the current season, Tennessee’s fans, coaching staff, and players can celebrate yet another victory—this time off the field. The future looks bright for the program, and the commitment of Brenden Anes adds another layer of excitement and promise for what’s to come in Knoxville.
