Alan Poizner/For The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Tennessee Battling Alabama, Texas for Coveted Star

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sahil Goswami | Last updated May 21, 2025 1:37 PM ET

Tennessee Volunteers' recruiting momentum continues to surge as the Vols prepare to host elite 2026 linebacker Brayden Rouse from Kell High School (Ga.) for the highly anticipated “865 Live” event this weekend. This visit marks yet another step in their consistent efforts to build a strong connection with the four-star recruit, who has quickly become one of the nation’s most sought-after defenders.

Rouse, currently rated as the No. 101 overall prospect and the No. 7 linebacker in the 2026 class, has been a frequent visitor on Rocky Top. His most recent trip to Tennessee was for the spring game, and he left impressed.

“It was a great time coming up here again,” Rouse told Volquest of On3. “I had some more football meetings with the coaching staff… they were just testing my football intelligence.”

He added, “Every time I come, they just show me how much of a priority that I am. They constantly show amazing hospitality to me and my family.”

Elite LB target Brayden Rouse ready to see Vols again ahead of official visits

https://t.co/LbOKHSySUa pic.twitter.com/8b0ZZrX5Gn
— Volquest Staff (@Volquest_On3) May 20, 2025

But Tennessee isn’t alone in the chase. The Alabama Crimson Tide, Michigan Wolverines, and Texas Longhorns are also in the hunt. Rouse is scheduled for official visits to Alabama on May 30, Michigan on June 6, and Texas on June 13. Tennessee will get the final shot with an official visit set for June 20.

His rise has been meteoric. "Every time I come, they just show me how much of a priority that I am," Rouse sad about Tennessee.

Despite only recently picking up defensive experience, schools like Michigan were “shocked” by his potential, as Rouse put it.

With a decision expected by July, Tennessee is putting in the work to ensure Rouse picks Knoxville over powerhouse rivals like Alabama and Texas.

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

More must-reads: