Tennessee football landed a highly-touted defensive standout on Wednesday with the commitment of middle Tennessee defensive lineman Zach Groves. The talented prospect, who announced his decision to Volquest, is staying home to play for instate Tennessee. His connection with the Vols coaching staff and the vision they’ve laid out for his time in Knoxville won out in the end.
Groves highlighted his relationship with outside linebackers coach “Chop” Harbin as a key factor in his choice. “Coach Chop called me when I was a freshman,” Groves shared with Volquest. “He told me he could see me doing big things, and now I see it too, but on a college level.”
Head coach Josh Heupel also left a lasting impression. Groves praised Heupel’s down-to-earth nature, noting, “He’s not a Hollywood-type guy. He’ll sit there, talk, and joke around.” The “all love” vibe among players and coaches, sealed Tennessee as the right fit for the lifelong Vols fan.
On the field, Groves brings a physical, high-speed game that Coach Chop believes can thrive in Tennessee’s defense. “He likes my first step and speed,” Groves said, acknowledging areas for growth like hand placement and footwork. With Harbin’s guidance, Groves sees himself making a significant impact at Rocky Top.
As a middle Tennessee native, Groves’ commitment is a win for Vols fans who love seeing local talent stay home. “My family’s always been Tennessee fans,” he said. “It just felt different when I visited.”
Groves is ranked as the 238th player nationally for the Class of 2026 and the 8th best player in the state of Tennessee.
Titans Sign No.1 Pick Cam Ward
The Tennessee Titans have officially kicked off a new chapter, signing quarterback Cam Ward, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, to his rookie contract. Announced this week, Ward’s signing makes him the seventh of the Titans’ nine draft picks to ink deals, joining safety Kevin Winston Jr., tight end Gunnar Helm, receiver Elic Ayomanor, guard Jackson Slater, cornerback Marcus Harris, and running back Kalel Mullings. Only linebacker Oluwafemi Oladejo and receiver Chimere Dike remain unsigned.
“It’s a blessing,” Ward said after signing. “I’m ready to get to work.” The West Columbia, Texas, native has already hit the ground running, participating in the Titans’ rookie minicamp and offseason program. With Organized Team Activities (OTAs) set to begin next week at Ascension Saint Thomas Sports Park, we’re all eager to see Ward out on the practice field spinning it.
The Titans and Ward finalized a 4-year, $48.75M fully guaranteed rookie deal, featuring a $32.1M signing bonus.
Ward’s college career across Incarnate Word, Washington State, and Miami was nothing short of spectacular. In 57 games over five seasons, he amassed 18,184 passing yards and set a Division I record with 158 passing touchdowns. His 2024 season at Miami was a standout, earning him first-team AP All-American honors and a Heisman finalist nod. Throwing for 4,313 yards and 39 touchdowns, Ward led the Hurricanes to their first 10-win season since 2017, cementing his status as a generational talent.
For all of us Titans fans, Ward’s arrival signals hope for a franchise turnaround (don’t screw this up, Amy). His poise, arm talent, and record-breaking college production bring significant optimism for Tennessee’s future. As he steps into OTAs, all eyes will be on how he adapts to the NFL and if he can translate his college production to playing on Sundays.