In June 2025, the Tennessee Volunteers’ football program, led by head coach Josh Heupel, added significant talent to their 2026 recruiting class, which climbed to No. 24 nationally. The Vols secured commitments from.

The month of June 2025 marked a pivotal turning point for the Tennessee Volunteers’ football program, as head coach Josh Heupel and his staff delivered a flurry of high-impact recruiting wins. With momentum building in Knoxville and the SEC schedule looming larger than ever, the Vols saw their 2026 recruiting class climb to No. 24 nationally, thanks to several key commitments across both sides of the ball.

In a month often used by programs for official visits and relationship building, Tennessee turned plans into pledges, successfully landing blue-chip talent at premium positions. The uptick signals that Heupel and recruiting coordinator Kelsey Pope have found their stride in an increasingly competitive landscape.

Among the prospects who committed to Tennessee in June, a few stand out as true cornerstones for the 2026 class:

1. Deacon Schmitt – 4⭐️ Offensive Lineman (Windsor, CO)

Standing at 6’6”, 295 pounds, Schmitt is a powerful and technically refined lineman who chose the Vols over offers from Nebraska, Oregon, and Colorado. He brings a wrestling background and an aggressive edge that projects well in SEC trenches.

Schmitt’s commitment was a statement win. He’s not just a top-300 national recruit; he’s also being touted as a future team captain and someone the staff believes can start early in his career. His flexibility at guard or tackle adds valuable depth to a position group Tennessee is prioritizing in the 2026 cycle.

“Coach Heupel and Coach Elarbee made me feel like a priority from day one,” Schmitt said. “This program is on the rise, and I want to help win championships in Knoxville.”

2. Tyler Ruxer – 4⭐️ Tight End (Lincoln City, IN)

A dynamic pass-catching tight end, Tyler Ruxer adds both size and athleticism to Tennessee’s offensive arsenal. At 6’4” and 230 pounds, Ruxer is a matchup nightmare for linebackers and safeties. He’s known for his soft hands, route running, and willingness to block in the run game.

Ruxer chose the Vols over programs like West Virginia, Minnesota, Duke, and Purdue. Tennessee’s offensive style, which emphasizes tempo and versatility, appealed to Ruxer’s skill set.

“They know how to use tight ends. That was big for me,” Ruxer said. “I can be a weapon in that system.”

3. Zion Cooley – 4⭐️ Wide Receiver (Warner Robins, GA)

Though not yet formally announced as of July, reports indicate that Tennessee is on the verge of securing a commitment from Zion Cooley, one of Georgia’s fastest-rising wideouts. Cooley dazzled at June camps and reportedly bonded closely with Tennessee QB commit Zayden Norris during his visit to Knoxville.

Cooley brings explosive speed, a large catch radius, and an alpha mentality to the receiver room. Should he commit, Cooley would become a centerpiece of the class’s offensive skill group.

The foundation of the 2026 class was laid earlier this spring with the commitment of Zayden Norris, a highly rated dual-threat quarterback from Texas. Norris has become a vocal recruiter behind the scenes, frequently posting photos with fellow targets and hyping Tennessee’s culture online.

The Vols staff believes Norris has the tools to be a future starter, thanks to his quick release, smart decision-making, and plus mobility. He’s also developing a close connection with offensive coordinator Joey Halzle, who played a key role in landing him.

“Zayden’s got that ‘it’ factor,” one Tennessee staffer said. “He’s the type of quarterback other guys want to play with.”

While the offensive side of the class has gotten the bulk of the attention, Tennessee also made key gains defensively in June:

Keenan Ellis – 4⭐️ Linebacker (Birmingham, AL)

A sideline-to-sideline tackler with burst and vision, Keenan Ellis brings SEC speed and versatility to the linebacker room. At 6’2”, 215 pounds, Ellis is effective both downhill and in coverage. He had offers from Ole Miss, Auburn, and South Carolina, but Tennessee’s defensive scheme and commitment to development ultimately sealed the deal.

“Coach Heupel told me I could be a game-changer here,” Ellis said. “That stuck with me.”

Malik Fenner – 3⭐️ Defensive End (Savannah, TN)

While not as highly ranked as some others, Malik Fenner is viewed as a developmental gem. He boasts an 80-inch wingspan, explosive first step, and growing frame. Tennessee’s staff sees him as a future pass-rushing specialist once he refines his hand usage and adds weight.

As of the end of June, Tennessee’s 2026 recruiting class moved from the mid-30s to No. 24 nationally per 247Sports Composite. While that ranking is likely to change as more summer commitments roll in across the country, the surge signals clear upward momentum.

Importantly, Tennessee is beating out conference rivals and regional recruiting powers for talent—something that hasn’t always been consistent in the post-Fulmer era. With NIL programs like the Volunteer Club gaining strength and recruiting relationships deepening, Tennessee is beginning to act and recruit like a perennial contender again.

June’s success was a direct byproduct of the stability and trust Heupel has built within the program. While other programs have endured turnover or scandals, Heupel’s reputation as a steady hand and players’ coach has paid off with both recruits and families.

Recent news that Heupel turned down a $9 million offer from Ohio State only further validated his commitment to Tennessee—and recruits noticed.

“That showed me he’s in this for the long haul,” Schmitt said. “A lot of coaches say ‘family,’ but Coach Heupel lives it.”

The recruiting momentum isn’t slowing. Tennessee is expected to host several top targets for private visits and recruiting barbecues in July, including:

• Isaiah Bowman – 4⭐️ OL (KS)
• Javon Tate – 4⭐️ CB (FL)
• Micah Truss – 3⭐️ DL (TN)
• KJ Montgomery – 4⭐️ WR (TX)

There’s optimism inside the program that a few more blue-chip pledges could push the 2026 class inside the top 20 before the summer ends.

For Tennessee fans, June 2025 was more than just a recruiting hot streak—it was a reflection of what’s being built behind the scenes. With a committed coaching staff, rising NIL structure, and top talent in the fold, the Vols are laying the groundwork for sustained SEC success.

The climb to No. 24 is just the beginning.
If June is any indication, Josh Heupel’s Vols are just getting warmed up.