Vols land another commitment in the class of ’26 as Darryl Rivers selects Tennessee over Georgia Tech, Mississippi State, and Rutgers.
In what has been a recruitment cycle marked by excitement and anticipation, the Tennessee Volunteers have once again added to their already impressive 2026 class with the commitment of Darryl Rivers, a standout athlete who chose to continue his academic and athletic career in Knoxville. Rivers, a high school football prospect widely regarded as one of the top players in the nation for the class of 2026, made the decision to commit to the Vols over several high-profile programs, including Georgia Tech, Mississippi State, and Rutgers.
Rivers’ decision is a huge victory for Tennessee’s coaching staff, led by head coach Josh Heupel, as they continue to build a formidable recruiting class that will lay the foundation for sustained success in the SEC and beyond. With his combination of raw athleticism, on-field versatility, and high football IQ, Rivers is expected to make an immediate impact in Knoxville and further solidify Tennessee’s growing reputation as a recruiting powerhouse.
The 6-foot-2, 215-pound linebacker out of Atlanta, Georgia, has been a hot commodity on the recruiting trail, attracting offers from some of the top programs in college football. His decision to commit to Tennessee is one that speaks volumes about the program’s ongoing growth and the strong relationships that the coaching staff has built with recruits and their families.
Darryl Rivers has been on the radar of college football programs for some time, with his impressive physical attributes and high-level playmaking ability drawing attention from scouts and coaches alike. A linebacker with the size and speed to make plays all over the field, Rivers quickly became one of the most sought-after recruits in his class. While his skill set initially drew interest from schools across the country, it was his performances in high school games that truly solidified his status as one of the top players in the nation.
Rivers’ recruitment was a whirlwind. Initially, many expected him to remain close to home and commit to one of the nearby programs in the Southeast, such as Georgia Tech or Mississippi State. However, Tennessee, under the direction of head coach Josh Heupel and defensive coordinator Tim Banks, was relentless in their pursuit of Rivers, emphasizing the Vols’ vision for his role in their defense and the long-term success of the program.
Throughout the process, Rivers visited several schools, taking official trips to both Tennessee and Georgia Tech, among others. His visits to Tennessee were particularly impactful, as he had the chance to see firsthand the energy around the program, the facilities, and the culture that has been steadily growing under Heupel’s leadership. By the time Rivers announced his decision, it was clear that Tennessee had made an indelible impression on him, both through their on-field performance and the relationships he formed with the coaching staff.
The official offer from Tennessee came after an in-depth conversation between Rivers and Coach Heupel, who made it clear that he saw Rivers as an essential building block for the future of the program. “When I met Coach Heupel and the staff, it felt like they truly understood my game and what I could bring to the table,” Rivers said in an interview after his commitment. “They talked to me about how I could grow within their system, and the opportunity to be a part of something special at Tennessee really stuck with me.”
In the end, Rivers chose the Volunteers, a decision that will undoubtedly strengthen Tennessee’s defense for years to come. Despite strong competition from programs like Georgia Tech, Mississippi State, and Rutgers, Rivers felt that Tennessee offered him the best opportunity to showcase his skills at the highest level while also setting him up for success both on and off the field.
Rivers’ commitment is a significant one for Tennessee, as he is a versatile, hard-hitting linebacker who brings a combination of speed, power, and instincts to the defensive side of the ball. His ability to read offenses, combined with his athleticism, makes him a formidable presence on the field, and his addition to the Volunteers’ roster will provide an immediate boost to their defense.
One of the defining characteristics of Rivers’ game is his versatility. Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 215 pounds, Rivers is a linebacker with the size to compete in the trenches, but his speed and agility allow him to cover a wide range of ground in the middle of the field. Whether it’s rushing the quarterback off the edge, covering running backs in pass coverage, or filling gaps against the run, Rivers can do it all. His ability to move fluidly and make plays in all phases of the game makes him an asset to any defense, and for Tennessee, he’ll provide the kind of flexibility that defensive coordinator Tim Banks values in his schemes.
Rivers is known for his physicality, both in terms of his tackling ability and his approach to the game. He’s not afraid to step up and take on blockers or hit hard in the open field, and his presence on the field commands respect. Tennessee’s defense will benefit from Rivers’ aggressive mindset, as he isn’t shy about using his body to his advantage to make a play.
In terms of his role at Tennessee, Rivers is likely to fit in well with the Volunteers’ defensive scheme, which emphasizes attacking, speed, and versatility. Coach Heupel’s staff has been known for getting the most out of their players, and Rivers’ skill set will make him an ideal fit in that system. His ability to play multiple linebacker positions—whether it’s as a middle linebacker or an outside linebacker—gives Tennessee plenty of options when it comes to deploying him in different situations.
In addition to his physical attributes, Rivers’ football IQ is one of the aspects of his game that has consistently impressed coaches. He has a natural instinct for the game, with a remarkable ability to read offensive schemes, recognize plays, and react quickly to changing situations. This intelligence allows him to excel in coverage situations, make quick decisions under pressure, and anticipate the next move, which is crucial for a linebacker in today’s high-paced college football environment.
Moreover, Rivers is a leader both on and off the field. His maturity, work ethic, and dedication to his craft have earned him the respect of his teammates, and he’s already established himself as someone who leads by example. Tennessee’s young players will undoubtedly benefit from his leadership, and his ability to bring a sense of confidence and calmness to the team will serve the Vols well, particularly in high-pressure moments.
Rivers’ commitment is also a reflection of the growing strength of Tennessee’s football program under Josh Heupel. The Volunteers have made significant strides in recent years, with the program becoming more competitive in the SEC and consistently improving their recruiting class rankings. The program’s success on the field, including a high-powered offense and an improving defense, has been a major draw for top recruits, and Rivers’ commitment adds another building block for the future.
Rivers has been vocal about his respect for the Volunteers’ coaching staff and the direction of the program. “Coach Heupel and his staff are doing something special here,” Rivers said. “They’ve built a program that is on the rise, and I want to be a part of that. The opportunity to play in the SEC and for a program with such a rich tradition was something I couldn’t pass up.”
The Vols’ recruiting efforts have been bolstered by their recent success on the field, and Rivers’ commitment is another sign of Tennessee’s growing momentum. As one of the top linebacker recruits in the 2026 class, Rivers’ decision to commit to Tennessee speaks volumes about the program’s trajectory and the level of excitement surrounding it.
With the commitment of Darryl Rivers, Tennessee’s 2026 recruiting class continues to shape up as one of the best in the nation. The Vols are assembling a roster filled with talented players who will contribute to the program’s success in the coming years, and Rivers’ addition adds another layer of defensive strength to the mix.
Rivers’ versatility, physicality, and leadership qualities will make him an immediate contributor for Tennessee, and his presence will have a lasting impact on the program’s defensive future. As Tennessee continues to build toward championship contention in the SEC, players like Rivers will be key in ensuring that the Vols’ defense is as formidable as their offense.
In the ever-competitive world of college football, building a program that can contend for SEC titles and national championships requires a long-term vision. The Vols’ success on the recruiting trail, particularly with high-profile prospects like Darryl Rivers, is proof that the program is on the right path. With a strong, young core in place and an exciting future ahead, Tennessee is poised to become one of the premier programs in college football once again.
As the Volunteers prepare for the 2026 season, the addition of Rivers is just one of many positive signs that Tennessee’s football program is on the rise, and the future is looking brighter than ever.
