5-star OL David Sanders Jr. commits to Tennessee

Providence Day Charlotte (NC) offensive lineman David Sanders Jr., the top-ranked offensive tackle prospect in the Class of 2025, announced Saturday that he has committed to Tennessee over offers from Georgia, Nebraska and Ohio State.

“The volunteers, they’ve been at the forefront for a long time,” Sanders said. “Coach Heupel and that coaching staff, they’ve done an amazing job with me and my family, just having that support and showing love from the beginning of the recruiting process until now.”

Sanders announced his decision on a 247Sports live stream during an emotional commitment ceremony in which the high school senior wept as he thanked his teammates, grandparents, sisters and parents for their constant support.

Sanders was in Lincoln three weeks before making his decision, a visit that involved Nebraska pulling out all the stops for the five-star recruit. Flanked by quarterback Dylan Raiola, Sanders was greeted by dozens of Nebracan fans upon his arrival at Memorial Stadium as head coach Matt Rhule looked on.

Sanders had just taken his official visit to Nebraska in May, but opted for a return visit in July, which was immediately followed by a similar trip to Knoxville, Tennessee. The Huskers may have jumped into the upper echelon of Sanders schools late, but they were a contender through and through — even though Sanders ultimately landed with the Volunteers.

“Their coaches did an amazing job, they were a little late to the party in my opinion, but Dylan Raiola did a phenomenal job getting me on campus and showing me a great time,” Sanders said. “Coach Rhule is a phenomenal head coach and I think they have a great future ahead of them.”

Sanders’ commitment to Tennessee marks another misstep in Nebraska’s offensive line recruiting efforts. The Huskers lost another target, Las Vegas Bishop Gorman four-star Douglas Utu, to Tennessee, while the likes of SJ Alofaituli (Miami), Alai Kalaniuvalu (Oregon), John Mills (Texas) and Broderick Shull (Auburn) they were employed elsewhere earlier. this summer.

Nebraska will have to move forward with a three-man offensive line class consisting of Honolulu St. Houston Kaahaaina-Torres. Louis, Winner (from South Dakota) Shawn Hammerbeck and Brian Tapu from Salt Lake City West. The Huskers have a total of 18 commitments in their 2025 recruiting class and continue to pursue other high-level prospects such as five-star Texans tight end Michael Terry III and four-star Omaha Westside linebacker Christian Jones.