Elite OL target plans multiple trips to Tennessee, ‘excited to visit’ Vols

Elite OL Target Plans Multiple Trips to Tennessee, ‘Excited to Visit’ Vols

In the world of college football recruiting, few prospects generate as much buzz as a high-profile offensive lineman with a dominant skill set, a towering frame, and the potential to reshape an entire offensive line. One such prospect that has been at the center of this excitement is Samson Okunlola, a five-star offensive lineman from Brockton, Massachusetts, who is widely considered one of the top offensive line recruits in the country. At 6’5″ and 330 pounds, Okunlola possesses the size, strength, and agility that make him a top priority for every major program in college football.

For Tennessee, landing a prospect like Okunlola would be a game-changing move that could elevate the Vols’ offensive line to new heights. With head coach Josh Heupel and offensive line coach Glen Elarbee working relentlessly to strengthen the Vols’ front five, Okunlola’s recruitment is one of the most closely watched storylines of the 2025 recruiting cycle. What has caught the attention of Vols fans and analysts alike is Okunlola’s statement that he plans to make multiple visits to Tennessee in the coming months, expressing his excitement about seeing what the program has to offer.

In this article, we’ll explore Okunlola’s journey as a highly sought-after offensive lineman, the significance of his interest in Tennessee, the Vols’ pursuit of elite recruits, and what his potential commitment could mean for the future of the program.

Samson Okunlola: The Making of an Elite Prospect

Samson Okunlola’s rise to prominence has been nothing short of spectacular. As a standout at Brockton High School, Okunlola quickly emerged as one of the most dominant forces on the offensive line in high school football. His combination of size, strength, and footwork made him nearly impossible to stop, and he quickly earned a reputation as one of the top offensive line prospects in the nation.

Okunlola’s physical attributes are truly remarkable. At 6’5″ and 330 pounds, he has the ideal size for an offensive tackle in college football. However, what sets him apart from other linemen of his size is his remarkable agility and athleticism. He moves well for a player of his stature, showing the ability to get to the second level and block on the move. His ability to dominate in both run-blocking and pass protection has made him a highly coveted recruit.

In his high school career, Okunlola was consistently ranked among the top offensive line prospects in the country. He was named an All-State selection multiple times, and his dominant performances at various summer camps and showcases only fueled his rise in recruiting rankings. His natural ability to control defenders, paired with his work ethic and football IQ, has made him a coach’s dream. Schools from coast to coast began offering Okunlola, and he became a national priority for many of college football’s elite programs.

One of the defining features of Okunlola’s recruitment has been his ability to consistently perform at a high level in big games. Whether it was playing against elite competition in Massachusetts or showcasing his talents at national events, Okunlola has continued to impress scouts and coaches with his high football IQ, leadership, and relentless pursuit of excellence. His commitment to becoming a complete player has made him one of the most coveted recruits in the country.

Tennessee’s Growing Reputation Under Josh Heupel

Tennessee football is in the midst of an exciting resurgence, and much of the program’s momentum can be attributed to the work done by head coach Josh Heupel and his coaching staff. Since arriving in Knoxville, Heupel has transformed Tennessee’s offense, turning the Vols into one of the most high-powered units in the country. In just his second season, Heupel led Tennessee to one of its best seasons in recent memory, with the offense setting numerous school records and becoming a major player in the competitive SEC.

However, despite Tennessee’s offensive success, Heupel and his staff know that for the program to continue its rise in the SEC and national rankings, they need to build a complete team. That includes a strong, physical, and well-coached offensive line. Under offensive line coach Glen Elarbee, Tennessee has made significant strides in improving its line play, but securing a player like Okunlola would represent a major leap forward in the Vols’ efforts to dominate in the trenches.

Heupel’s style of play, which features up-tempo offense and quick passing, requires an offensive line that is not only big and strong but also quick and capable of adjusting to fast-paced schemes. Okunlola’s athleticism and ability to move quickly for a player of his size make him an ideal fit for this system. His ability to protect the quarterback’s blindside and open holes for Tennessee’s running game would be invaluable.

As Tennessee continues to establish itself as a national contender in both recruiting and on the field, the Vols’ ability to land top-tier offensive line recruits will be crucial. The addition of a player like Okunlola would serve as a signal to the rest of the SEC — and the country — that Tennessee is ready to compete with the top programs when it comes to securing elite talent.

The Importance of Multiple Visits to Tennessee

When it comes to the recruitment of a player as high-profile as Okunlola, visits are a critical part of the process. Official and unofficial visits give recruits the chance to experience a program firsthand and determine if it is the right fit for them. For Okunlola, his decision to plan multiple trips to Tennessee indicates a genuine interest in the program and a willingness to explore what the Vols have to offer.

According to Okunlola, he is “excited to visit” Tennessee and see how he fits into the program’s plans. This excitement signals that the Vols are making a strong impression on Okunlola, and it demonstrates the school’s appeal as a potential destination for one of the nation’s top recruits. Okunlola’s visits will allow him to get a better feel for the culture of the program, the coaching staff, and the facilities at Tennessee. It also provides an opportunity to see how the Vols’ offensive line plays and the role that he could potentially take on.

Tennessee’s coaching staff, led by Heupel and Elarbee, will work hard to showcase the program’s strengths during Okunlola’s visits. They will likely emphasize the Vols’ upward trajectory, the opportunity to play in the SEC, and the chance to contribute to a program on the rise. With the excitement surrounding Tennessee football, these visits are an opportunity for the coaching staff to make a lasting impression on Okunlola.

Moreover, Okunlola’s multiple trips to Tennessee could indicate that the Vols are beginning to establish themselves as one of his top contenders. With offers from Texas, Alabama, Ohio State, and other elite programs, it’s clear that Okunlola is being courted by the best of the best. His decision to make multiple visits to Tennessee is a positive sign for Vols fans, as it demonstrates that the program is in the running for one of the nation’s top offensive line prospects.

What Would Jalen Okunlola’s Commitment Mean for Tennessee?

If Tennessee can land Okunlola’s commitment, it would be a massive coup for the program. Not only would they secure one of the top offensive linemen in the country, but they would also solidify their reputation as a team that can compete for elite talent on the national stage.

Okunlola’s commitment would immediately strengthen the Vols’ offensive line, providing them with a young, dominant force capable of protecting the quarterback and opening up holes for the running game. His size, strength, and athleticism would make him a force in the SEC, and he could help anchor Tennessee’s offensive line for years to come.

Furthermore, landing a recruit of Okunlola’s caliber would have a ripple effect on Tennessee’s recruiting efforts. It would demonstrate that Tennessee is capable of securing top talent even in an era where competition for recruits is fiercer than ever. Okunlola’s commitment could pave the way for future five-star recruits to consider Tennessee, helping to elevate the program’s recruiting class and keep the momentum building.

In addition to his on-field impact, Okunlola’s presence would likely have a positive effect on Tennessee’s locker room. Known for his leadership, work ethic, and football IQ, Okunlola would quickly become a leader on the offensive line and a player that his teammates can rely on. His passion for the game and his desire to compete at the highest level would make him an integral part of Tennessee’s culture moving forward.