Tennessee defensive coordinator Tim Banks speaks at a press conference during Tennessee Football Media Day, Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023. Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK

Tennessee Volunteers Miss Out On 4-Star Defensive End

Originally posted on Tennessee Volunteers on SI
By Caleb Sisk | Last updated Jun 23, 2025 9:48 AM ET

The Tennessee Volunteers missed out on another big-time recruit, as on Sunday, one of their top targets at the defensive end position announced his commitment to the Alabama Crimson Tide.

That Player being JJ Finch, who committed to the Crimson Tide over the Tennessee Volunteers, Michigan Wolverines, and others. The talented recruit was on campus this month for his Tennessee Volunteers official visit, but announced quickly following the visit that he would be committing to the Crimson Tide.

BREAKING: Class of 2026 DL JJ Finch has Committed to Alabama, he tells me for @on3recruits

The 6’2 270 DL from Indianapolis, IN chose the Crimson Tide over Michigan & Tennessee

“#LL3️⃣ #LLTrell ️ Roll Tide 5️⃣L”https://t.co/SESlXDt2oF pic.twitter.com/KXdR2Legbo
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) June 22, 2025

The Tennessee Volunteers have many guys on their recruiting board at the EDGE position that they could win in the long run. They will continue to push for those targets as they look to build a great 2026 class.

This article first appeared on Tennessee Volunteers on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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