Four-star safety Zach Groves commits to Tennessee, boosting the Vols’ 2025 class with elite speed, instincts, and SEC-ready talent.

Josh Heupel and the Tennessee Volunteers just added a major piece to their defensive puzzle for the 2025 season. Four-star safety Zach Groves, one of the most coveted defensive backs in the country, announced his commitment to the Vols, giving Tennessee’s secondary a significant boost in both talent and momentum.

Groves, a 6-foot-1, 190-pound safety from Buford, Georgia, chose Tennessee over offers from Georgia, Alabama, Florida State, and Oregon. Ranked among the top 10 safeties nationally by multiple recruiting services, Groves is a player with elite speed, football instincts, and leadership qualities that have made him one of the premier defenders in the 2025 cycle.

This commitment signals more than just another blue-chip recruit joining the Vols — it reflects Tennessee’s growing national footprint in recruiting under Heupel and defensive coordinator Tim Banks. And with Groves in the fold, the Vols are assembling a secondary that could challenge the SEC’s best.

A Key Target from the Start

From the earliest stages of his recruitment, Groves was a priority target for Tennessee’s coaching staff. After visiting Knoxville multiple times and establishing a strong rapport with safeties coach Willie Martinez, Groves began to see Tennessee not just as another contender — but as a place where he could thrive on and off the field.

“They made me feel like family from day one,” Groves said. “Every time I came to campus, it felt real. Coach Heupel, Coach Martinez — they didn’t just talk about football. They talked about life, development, and how they’d help me become a better man.”

Tennessee’s persistence paid off. Groves cited a combination of academic support, NIL structure, and on-field opportunity as key reasons for his decision, along with a belief in the direction of the program.

“I see Tennessee competing for championships,” he added. “They’re building something special, and I want to be part of that.”

What Groves Brings to Tennessee

Groves isn’t just another four-star in a strong recruiting class — he’s a dynamic, game-changing defender whose presence in the secondary could be felt immediately.

Scouting reports on Groves rave about his ability to cover ground, diagnose plays quickly, and bring physicality at the point of attack. With a verified 4.45 40-yard dash and a 38-inch vertical, Groves possesses the athleticism to keep up with SEC receivers and the strength to step up against the run.

“He’s got the total package,” said 247Sports recruiting analyst Andrew Ivins. “He’s rangy, fluid, and he plays with an edge. He’s the kind of safety who can cover the slot, play deep, or even rotate down into the box. He makes your defense better the moment he steps on the field.”

At Buford High School — a powerhouse program in Georgia — Groves racked up 73 tackles, four interceptions, and two forced fumbles as a junior. He also returned kicks and served as a team captain, showcasing both his versatility and leadership.

For Tennessee, Groves projects as a multi-year starter who could eventually develop into an All-SEC performer and future NFL Draft pick. With the Vols aiming to improve a secondary that has at times struggled against top-tier passing attacks, Groves is a cornerstone addition.

Building a National Defense

Groves’ commitment is part of a larger trend for Tennessee: recruiting elite defensive talent on a national level. While the Vols have always had strong roots in the Southeast, Heupel and Banks have expanded their reach to bring in difference-makers from across the country.

In the 2025 class, Groves joins an already strong group of defensive prospects, including four-star defensive end Jakari Thomas (Florida), linebacker Jalen Morris (Tennessee), and cornerback Malik Drayton (Texas). Tennessee is also still in contention for several top-100 defenders, including five-star edge rusher Tyrone Shields and linebacker Marcus Redd.

With Groves in the fold, Tennessee’s defensive class rises into the top 10 nationally, adding balance to an offensive-heavy group that already includes five-star quarterback Keelan Reed and wide receiver Zion Carter.

“Coach Banks is building a defense that can win in the SEC,” Groves said. “I want to help shut down the passing games, get turnovers, and change games.”

The NIL Factor

In today’s recruiting landscape, NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) plays a critical role — and Tennessee has positioned itself well. Groves acknowledged that the Vols’ approach to NIL wasn’t about making promises, but about offering real support and structure.

“I met with the NIL team and they broke it all down,” Groves said. “It’s not just about money — it’s about building your brand, doing it the right way, and having opportunities while staying focused on football.”

Tennessee’s NIL collective, Spyre Sports Group, has become one of the most organized and proactive in the country, helping current players secure deals while maintaining compliance with NCAA guidelines. That transparency resonated with Groves and his family.

“My parents were impressed by how professional everything was,” he said. “It gave us peace of mind.”

Reaction from the Tennessee Community

The moment Groves made his announcement on social media, Tennessee fans flooded his page with excitement, memes, and orange emojis. Vol Twitter quickly began trending with hashtags like #GrovesOnRockyTop and #NewVolOrder, while former players and current commits welcomed him into the fold.

Tennessee linebacker Elijah Herring tweeted, “Welcome to the family, lil bro. Let’s get to work.”

Current Vols safety Andre Turrentine posted, “The DBU train keeps rolling. That boy Zach Groves is a dawg. Can’t wait to see him fly around.”

The energy from fans and players reflects just how big this commitment is for Tennessee — both in terms of talent and the message it sends to other recruits.

Groves’ Vision for His Tennessee Career

Groves doesn’t shy away from expectations. In fact, he embraces them. Whether it’s competing for early playing time, taking on a leadership role, or helping Tennessee win an SEC title, his goals are clear.

“I want to start as a freshman. I want to be All-SEC. I want to win championships,” Groves said. “I know it won’t be easy — that’s why I chose Tennessee. Iron sharpens iron.”

Groves also hopes to be a recruiter in his own right, already mentioning names like Tyrone Shields and cornerback Jaylen Miles as targets he plans to stay in touch with.

“We’re building something crazy,” he said with a grin. “And I want the best dudes with me.”

What It Means for Tennessee’s Future

Tennessee’s 2025 recruiting class is taking shape, and with Zach Groves on board, the defense has a new centerpiece. His commitment represents a shift in momentum — one that aligns with Heupel’s vision of fielding a complete team that doesn’t just outscore opponents but also out-defends them.

As the Vols look ahead to a 2025 season filled with opportunity — including expanded College Football Playoff access — having players like Groves could be the difference between contending and competing.

For now, fans in Knoxville can celebrate landing one of the top safeties in the country. And for Groves, the journey to Rocky Top has just begun.

“I’m locked in,” he said. “Now it’s time to get to work.”

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