Recruits Say Meeting Peyton Manning Sealed Tennessee Visit

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jeremy Lockett | Last updated Sep 14, 2025 3:50 PM ET

There aren’t many environments in college football that rival Neyland Stadium on a Saturday afternoon.

Even in a 44-41 overtime loss to No. 6 Georgia, Tennessee proved it has a program that can compete for a national championship, and recruits noticed.

Greensboro (NC) Grimsley four-star edge Andrew Rogers, originally committed to Virginia Tech, said the experience was unforgettable.

“The environment is the best in college football hands down!” he said. “What excites me is the fact when I walk on the field there’s going to be thousands of fans that care for you and are there to support me every game.”

Rogers, who is planning a visit to South Carolina, hinted that the Vols may be trending in his recruitment.

“Tennessee set the standard. Everybody is now under the standard until otherwise,” he said.

Head coach Josh Heupel and his staff currently boast the Rivals Industry’s No. 8 ranked recruiting class.

Most of their top recruits, including five-star quarterback Faizon Brandon, were on campus, rubbing elbows with Peyton Manning and experiencing the game-day atmosphere firsthand.

Clemson Commit Dre Quinn Visits Knoxville

Rogers wasn’t the only eye-catching visitor. Buford (Ga.) High four-star edge rusher Dre Quinn, a Clemson commit, was in town, as VolQuest’s Austin Price first reported.

Powell (Tenn.) High defensive lineman and South Florida verbal Iverson Garcia also attended for a second consecutive weekend.

Tennessee’s push for elite prospects from multiple states could signal future flips in the class.

Prized 2027 recruits were also in attendance, including five-star offensive tackle Kennedy Brown, linebacker Cooper Witten, running back David Gabriel-Georges, and receiver Dakota Guerrant.

“It was phenomenal to get to spend time talking football with Coach Elarbee!” Brown told Rivals. Meeting Manning and feeling the stadium energy made a huge impression.

Other prospects echoed the sentiment. Rivals No. 5 OT Elijah Hutcheson called it “without a doubt the loudest game I’ve been to,” while Oak Martin safety Jayden Aparicio-Bailey highlighted the opportunity to play under Tennessee’s coaching staff.

Providence athlete Keland Shelton said, “The environment was crazy today! The hospitality and consistent communication by the coaches really stand out.”

Even the next wave of recruits is paying attention. 2028 cornerback Jermaine Cobbins noted, “How loud the stadium will get in a big game like UGA is absolutely crazy. It’s something you would never forget.”

Tennessee’s commitment to game-day experience, coaching continuity, and hospitality is making a national impact, and it’s clear recruits are taking notice.

https://www.on3.com/rivals/news/tennessees-atmosphere-and-performance-impresses-recruits-in-neyland-for-georgia-game/

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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