GAMECHANGER: 5-Star OT David Sanders Jr. Includes Vols in Final 3 – Decision Date Set…
College football recruiting just hit DEFCON 1.
In a move that sent shockwaves through the recruiting world, 5-star offensive tackle David Sanders Jr. officially named Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama as his final three schools on Wednesday morning — and announced a decision date of May 18th.
Sanders, widely considered the No. 1 offensive tackle in the nation and a top-3 overall prospect in the 2025 class, revealed the news in a short but powerful video on social media, ending with a Vols glove fist bumping the camera. The internet — particularly Rocky Top — erupted.
“I’m looking for a place that feels like home, where I can dominate in the trenches and be developed for the next level,” Sanders told Rivals. “Tennessee checks a lot of those boxes.”
The 6’6″, 290-pound Charlotte native has been a priority for Josh Heupel’s staff since his sophomore year. With lightning-quick feet, violent hands, and a 7-foot wingspan, Sanders has the makings of a franchise left tackle. Scouts are already calling him a “plug-and-play SEC starter” and a future Top 5 NFL Draft pick.
Why This Is Massive for the Vols
Landing Sanders would give Tennessee its highest-rated offensive line recruit in over a decade — and potentially the cornerstone of a championship-caliber unit. With QB phenom Nico Iamaleava already in the fold and an explosive offense ready to roll, the addition of Sanders would further solidify the Vols as rising contenders in the SEC.
“He’s got that dog in him — and he’s smart,” said one SEC scout. “If Tennessee wins this battle, that offensive line room goes from good to elite overnight.”
Sanders’ Final Visits
Before making his decision, Sanders will take final visits to all three finalists:
- Tennessee (April 27–28)
- Georgia (May 4–5)
- Alabama (May 11–12)
The Vols are believed to have strong momentum, but Kirby Smart and Nick Saban’s staff aren’t backing down. One thing is clear: wherever Sanders lands, he’ll instantly shift the power balance in the SEC.
Decision Date: May 18th
Circle it. Bookmark it. Prepare for fireworks.
Will the Vols pull off the biggest recruiting win of the cycle? The countdown begins.
