With spring ball quickly approaching, three Tennessee Vols targets are on commit watch.

With spring practice on the horizon, the Tennessee Volunteers football program is shifting into high gear for the 2025 season. Under head coach Josh Heupel, Tennessee has built momentum as a competitive force in the SEC, and the upcoming season is shaping up to be an exciting one. As the Vols prepare for spring ball, they are also looking to capitalize on key recruiting opportunities for future seasons. With a deep recruiting class on the line, several top targets have emerged as potential commits for Tennessee.

With spring practice fast approaching, the Vols’ coaching staff is not only focused on refining the team’s playbook but is also keeping a close eye on their recruitment efforts. Three key recruits—each of whom could significantly impact the program—are currently on commit watch. These recruits come from different positions and offer unique skills, but all three are highly coveted by Tennessee. Let’s take a closer look at each of them and what they bring to the table.

1. Julian Phillips – Five-Star Forward (Basketball)

As basketball season continues to heat up, the Tennessee Volunteers are closely following one of their top basketball recruits: Julian Phillips. Phillips, a five-star forward from South Carolina, has been one of the top targets for Rick Barnes and the Tennessee basketball program for quite some time. At 6-foot-8, Phillips has the physical tools to be an immediate contributor at the next level, and his blend of size, athleticism, and basketball IQ makes him a player to watch in the recruiting world.

Phillips has been a key figure for his high school team, showing his ability to play both inside and out, which is a rare trait for players his size. His versatility makes him a perfect fit for Barnes’ defensive-oriented system, and he could immediately contribute to the Vols’ frontcourt, where Tennessee is looking to solidify its depth in the coming years. Tennessee has worked hard to build a strong relationship with Phillips, and he has repeatedly stated that the Vols are one of the top schools on his radar.

What makes Phillips particularly attractive to Tennessee is not just his physical talent but also his work ethic. He is known for his defensive prowess and ability to stretch the floor, which fits well into what Barnes looks for in his players. Phillips’ commitment could elevate Tennessee’s recruiting efforts and give the Vols a significant advantage in the SEC.

As spring ball approaches for Tennessee basketball, Phillips’ decision remains highly anticipated. Many believe that he is down to a select group of schools, with Tennessee among the front-runners. Phillips has been closely evaluating how each program could fit his development and future in college basketball. While no commitment has been made yet, Tennessee fans remain hopeful that the Vols will land the five-star forward to continue their push for dominance in the SEC.

Why Phillips is a Priority:

• Tennessee needs to add talent to its frontcourt, and Phillips provides immediate impact potential.
• Phillips’ versatility could allow him to play multiple positions, adding depth to Tennessee’s rotation.
• The Vols are in a great position to build for the future with an elite-level recruit like Phillips.

Commit Watch Status: Tennessee fans are cautiously optimistic that Phillips will commit soon, and as his recruitment heats up, Tennessee is looking to keep the momentum going with an early spring decision.

2. Jeremiah Cobb – Running Back (Class of 2025)

Tennessee’s 2025 recruiting class is shaping up to be one of the best in recent memory, and running back Jeremiah Cobb is a key target in this class. Cobb, a 5-foot-11, 190-pound running back from Montgomery, Alabama, has been on Tennessee’s radar for a while now, and the Vols are making a strong push for his services.

Cobb is a dynamic running back with excellent vision, speed, and elusiveness. He can hit the hole quickly, evade tacklers in the open field, and has the ability to break long runs. His blend of power and agility makes him an ideal fit for Tennessee’s up-tempo, high-scoring offense. While the Vols have plenty of talent in their backfield, Cobb has the potential to come in and make an immediate impact, particularly in a program that values the running game as much as Tennessee does.

The Vols have done an excellent job of building a relationship with Cobb, who has shown strong interest in Tennessee throughout the recruiting process. Cobb has visited Knoxville multiple times, and the Vols’ coaching staff has made a concerted effort to showcase how he would fit into their system. Cobb has expressed interest in playing for a team with an exciting offense, and Tennessee’s offensive scheme—led by Heupel—fits that description perfectly.

As spring practice approaches, Cobb is nearing a decision, and Tennessee is positioning itself as one of the favorites for his commitment. While schools like Auburn, Alabama, and others remain in the mix, the Vols are confident that Cobb could be the missing piece to their already impressive offensive backfield. His commitment would give Tennessee a dynamic playmaker for years to come, allowing them to further solidify their standing in the SEC.

Why Cobb is a Priority:

• Cobb’s explosiveness would make him a major weapon in Tennessee’s up-tempo offense.
• The Vols are looking to add depth to their running back room, and Cobb offers a high ceiling.
• With an early commitment, Cobb could become a key recruiter for the class and help bring in other top talent.

Commit Watch Status: Cobb is expected to make a decision soon, and Tennessee’s chances look strong as he continues to visit the campus. The Vols have done everything right in recruiting him, and his commitment would solidify their future at running back.

3. Jalen Thompson – Cornerback (Class of 2025)

Defensive back play is a critical component of any successful SEC team, and Tennessee is looking to add a key piece to its secondary by targeting Jalen Thompson, a 6-foot-1, 180-pound cornerback from Georgia. Thompson is a highly sought-after recruit due to his combination of size, speed, and coverage ability. He’s an ideal fit for Tennessee’s defense, which has shown a tendency to develop aggressive and physical cornerbacks.

Thompson has been a standout at the high school level, using his length and speed to shut down wide receivers. His ability to play both man and zone coverage makes him a versatile addition to any defense. Tennessee is looking for a cornerback who can contribute early, especially with the increasing importance of defensive back play in the SEC. Thompson fits the bill perfectly and could challenge for playing time as soon as he arrives in Knoxville.

The Vols have been in a strong position with Thompson for some time, and he has visited Knoxville multiple times over the past year. Thompson is particularly attracted to Tennessee’s defensive culture and the opportunity to develop under defensive coordinator Tim Banks. The chance to play in a major conference like the SEC and potentially compete for a starting role in his first year is a major selling point for Thompson.

As spring practice nears, Thompson is nearing the end of his recruiting process. He has narrowed his choices down to a few schools, including Tennessee, and is expected to make a decision soon. If the Vols can land Thompson, it would significantly bolster their secondary, which is a priority for the coaching staff as they look to contend for championships in the SEC.

Why Thompson is a Priority:

• Tennessee needs a physical, versatile cornerback who can immediately contribute in the SEC.
• Thompson’s length and ability to cover a variety of receivers make him a perfect fit for Tennessee’s defense.
• A commitment from Thompson would further solidify the Vols’ recruiting class and give them a key defensive piece.

Commit Watch Status: Thompson is one of the most coveted cornerbacks in the country, and while there are several schools in contention, Tennessee has a strong chance of landing him. His commitment would be a significant boost for the Vols’ defense in the years to come.