July Starts Hot - Vols Football Recruiting
Tennessee fans had been growing restless looking at the recruiting class as we rounded out the month of June. The Vols were able to lock down 4-star edge Kendric Golston II and 3-star IOL Ed Baker on 6/27. They followed up with commitments of 4-star athlete Legend Bey (all-name team) and 3-star CB Zadyn Anderson on 6/28.
That recruiting momentum has carried over into the month of July.
Josh Heupel & staff have already pulled together an impressive haul this month, adding three big-time defensive commits in cornerback Jamyan Theodore, defensive lineman Dereon Albert, and linebacker TJ White. Each brings some unique traits, athletic ability, and leadership potential.
Let’s start with Theodore, a highly versatile corner out of Baylor School in Chattanooga. The 6-foot-1 athlete is a playmaker on both sides of the ball, but he is projected at the next level to play in secondary. Head coach Erik Kimrey likened his two-way impact to a “Travis Hunter-type role,” but it’s his future as an athletic corner that excites Tennessee the most. Theodore brings that high character and maturity that fits the Vols’ culture.
In the trenches, Tennessee landed a gem in four-star lineman Dereon Albert. A powerful, explosive presence out of Jackson Academy (MS), Albert has been a four-year starter with a high football IQ and a reputation as a team-first leader. At 295 pounds, he’s heavy-handed at the point of attack and brings a motor that aligns perfectly with Rodney Garner’s aggressive front. After one visit to Knoxville, Albert canceled his Mississippi State trip and committed on the spot. Rodney Garner tends to have that effect on people.
Finally, TJ White, a top-75 national prospect, gives the Vols a rangy, explosive linebacker with tremendous upside. White, another Jackson Academy product, has elite track speed (11.0 flat in the 100m) and has rapidly developed into a hybrid defender with natural pass-rush instincts.
With decisions looming from Javonte Smith, Jowell Combay, Salesi Moa, and Brayden Rouse, July might just be getting started for the Big Orange.
Zakai Officially Moving On
One of the most beloved Vols in recent memory is officially turning the page. Zakai Zeigler is no longer seeking a fifth year of eligibility at Tennessee, ending a legal battle with the NCAA that had stretched into the summer. Though his appeal for a preliminary injunction was denied in June, his legal team confirmed this week they’ve voluntarily withdrawn the case for immediate eligibility. The broader lawsuit challenging NCAA policy, however, will continue in court.
While the hope was to see Zeigler in orange one last time, he’s shifting focus to the next chapter. After going undrafted, Zeigler signed on to play for the Detroit Pistons in the NBA Summer League, where he’ll look to prove that he can play at the next level.
Zeigler leaves Knoxville as a program legend. From late-recruit three-star to an SEC record-breaker in assists, his impact was undeniable. ZZ finished his career with 1,550 points, 747 assists, 257 steals, and a relentless motor that defined Tennessee basketball’s identity over the past four years. He may be moving on, but his legacy in Knoxville will be forever.
New “Smokey Grey” Uniform Revealed
Tennessee Football’s 2025 Smokey Grey uniforms are a tribute to the state’s deep-rooted tradition of service and sacrifice. Designed in collaboration with the Tennessee Military Department, 134th Air Refueling Wing, and Tennessee National Guard, this year’s edition honors the “Volunteer Spirit” by blending military influence with Tennessee heritage.
Set to debut during the Salute to Service Weekend against New Mexico State on November 15, the new uniform continues the Smokey Grey Series, which began in 2022 and showcases a unique design each season.
This version brings bold new elements, including a “Davy Stripe” running down the helmet and jersey sleeves—a modern tribute to Davy Crockett’s legendary frontier uniform. The Smoky Mountains silhouette still adorns the helmet shell, joined by the return of the nostalgic Star Vols logo on both helmet and pants. The jersey features stenciled military-style numbers, two-tone steel grey fabric, and the word “Volunteers” proudly emblazoned across the chest.
The entire design is inspired by military font and armor-like textures, with orange accents providing that Tennessee color that college football fans have come to associate with the Vols.
From a personal standpoint, I think it is a great idea incorporating and honoring our Tennessee servicemembers. The iconic images of the Davy Stripe, the Smoky Mountains, and the Star Vols logo is incredible unique. However, without dishonoring our service men & women, I do think on the whole that this year’s series leaves a lot to be desired from a looks standpoint.
If you aren’t a fan of this year’s style, don’t worry. This is likely to be the last year of Tennessee repping the Nike uniforms as Adidas is rumored to be the new apparel supplier, as they want Tennessee to be their “flagship” school. Look out for news on that front in the coming weeks.