In a significant development for Tennessee football’s 2025 recruiting class, five-star offensive tackle David Sanders Jr., the Vols’ top commit, is visiting Ohio State this weekend. This visit, reported by On3’s Pete Nakos, comes as the Buckeyes host Indiana in a pivotal top-five matchup.
Sanders, a highly coveted prospect, committed to Tennessee in August over a competitive final group that included Ohio State and Nebraska. However, his visit to Columbus reignites speculation about his recruitment as the Buckeyes aim to sway the Charlotte native from his pledge to the Vols.
Who Is David Sanders Jr.?
Sanders is ranked as the No. 5 overall player in the 2025 recruiting class, the No. 1 offensive tackle, and the top player in the state of Tennessee, according to the 247Sports composite rankings. Standing out as one of the most elite prospects in the nation, he represents a crucial piece of Tennessee’s future offensive line.
The Vols’ coaching staff, led by head coach Josh Heupel, celebrated his commitment as a cornerstone of their recruiting class. Sanders has already demonstrated his loyalty by attending several Tennessee games this season, including their high-profile victories over NC State, Charlotte, and Alabama.
Why Is the Visit Significant?
Ohio State has been a persistent contender in Sanders’ recruitment. Before committing to Tennessee, Sanders took multiple visits to both Knoxville and Columbus earlier in 2024. He also participated in official visits to both programs over the summer. The Buckeyes narrowly missed out on landing Sanders in August, finishing as the runner-up.
While his visit to Ohio State doesn’t necessarily mean he will decommit from Tennessee, it raises concerns for the Vols, especially given the ongoing challenges with their offensive line recruiting class.
A Shaky Offensive Line Class
Tennessee’s 2025 offensive line group, once a major strength of their recruiting efforts, is now facing instability. The Vols recently suffered a blow when Top 100 recruit Douglas Utu flipped his commitment to Oregon in late September after originally committing to Tennessee in June.
Currently, the Vols’ offensive line class includes Sanders, four-star guard Nic Moore, and three-star offensive tackle Antoni Kade Ogumoro. Losing Sanders would deliver a significant setback to the group, which had been considered one of the strongest in the SEC.
The Impact on Tennessee’s Recruiting Class
Tennessee’s 2025 recruiting class contains 24 total commitments and is ranked No. 7 nationally, according to 247Sports’ team rankings. If Sanders were to flip his commitment to Ohio State, the Vols’ class ranking would drop to No. 11 nationally, a steep decline that could affect their ability to compete against top-tier programs in the SEC and beyond.
What’s Next for Sanders and Tennessee?
While the visit to Ohio State raises alarm bells, Sanders has remained publicly committed to Tennessee since his announcement in August. However, the Buckeyes’ persistent efforts and the high-stakes atmosphere of a top-five matchup provide them with an opportunity to strengthen their case.
For Tennessee, retaining Sanders is critical. His departure would not only weaken their offensive line recruiting but also send a message to other prospects about potential instability in the Vols’ program. As signing day approaches, Heupel and his staff must work tirelessly to solidify Sanders’ commitment and prevent further losses in their recruiting class.
Conclusion
David Sanders Jr.’s visit to Ohio State serves as a reminder of how fluid the recruiting process can be, even for players who are firmly committed. As one of the most talented players in the 2025 class, his decision will significantly impact Tennessee’s future. The Vols must act decisively to ensure Sanders remains the anchor of their offensive line recruiting efforts, or risk losing ground in the highly competitive SEC recruiting landscape.
