VOLUNTEERS HOST MASSIVE RECRUITING WEEKEND WITH MULTIPLE FIVE-STAR PROSPECTS AS ROCKY TOP BUZZES WITH ENERGY, FANS SHOW OUT, AND TENNESSEE COACHING STAFF MAKES STRONG IMPRESSION ON NATION’S BEST TALENT…

Knoxville, TN — May 28, 2025 — The University of Tennessee football program pulled out all the stops this past weekend, welcoming a fleet of elite high school prospects for one of the most anticipated recruiting events of the year. The “Rocky Top Weekend,” long a staple of summer recruiting efforts in Knoxville, reached new heights as the Volunteers hosted more than a dozen blue-chip players — including several five-star prospects — in a high-energy, high-stakes effort to build the foundation for a future national championship roster.

With the backdrop of a revitalized Neyland Stadium, a revamped coaching staff led by head coach Josh Heupel, and one of the most passionate fan bases in the nation, the atmosphere was electric as the Volunteers showcased everything from elite facilities to a clear vision for on-field success. From customized campus tours and film room sessions to player panels, fan engagement, and an under-the-lights scrimmage, Tennessee made sure no detail was overlooked in their bid to land some of the country’s most coveted recruits.

A STAR-STUDDED GUEST LIST: WHO VISITED

The headliners of the weekend included a trio of consensus five-star recruits: quarterback Julian Lewis (Carrollton, GA), wide receiver Jaime Frazier (Fort Lauderdale, FL), and defensive end Darian “Tank” Bellamy (Chandler, AZ). These three have drawn interest from virtually every top program in the country, but Tennessee made a bold push this weekend that could alter the trajectory of their respective recruitments.

Lewis, currently rated as the No. 1 quarterback in the 2026 class by multiple services, arrived in Knoxville with a reputation as a poised, pro-ready signal-caller with NFL tools. Though Georgia and USC have long been in the conversation, sources say the connection he felt with the Tennessee staff and players “was different” during his stay.

“I felt something real here,” Lewis said during his departure interview. “It’s not just about the football — it’s about who I could become here. I talked to Coach Heupel for hours. He’s built something special, and I could see myself leading this team.”

Frazier, a dynamic playmaker with track-star speed, reportedly bonded well with current Tennessee receivers and raved about the offensive scheme. He praised wide receivers coach Kelsey Pope for his attention to detail and development track record.

Meanwhile, Bellamy, one of the top edge rushers in the 2026 class, was seen talking extensively with defensive coordinator Tim Banks and spent a significant amount of time in the film room and weight room. The Volunteers’ defensive pitch — featuring schemes that allow for hybrid ends to roam and terrorize backfields — appeared to resonate.

“They’re building something dangerous on defense,” Bellamy told On3’s recruiting staff. “Coach Banks has a plan for how to use me, and I like how aggressive it is.”

But the star power didn’t stop there. Also visiting were top-100 talents like offensive tackle Miles Royster (Charlotte, NC), running back Toryan Mitchell (Houston, TX), linebacker Zayden Carter (Buford, GA), and cornerback Malik Shepherd (Washington, D.C.). Several prospects from Tennessee’s own backyard — including Murfreesboro’s standout safety Kentrell White and Knoxville’s four-star tight end Travis “TJ” Johnson — were also on hand.

FANS PLAY A MAJOR ROLE: “YOU JUST CAN’T MATCH THIS ENERGY”

Tennessee’s fans showed up in full force to welcome the recruits, despite the unofficial nature of the visit. The campus was dotted with Vols supporters wearing orange, holding signs, and singing Rocky Top. One impromptu crowd outside the Anderson Training Center broke into chants when Lewis and Frazier passed by on their golf cart tour.

“Vol fans are just different,” said 2025 Tennessee commit and weekend host Elijah Graham, a four-star linebacker from Chattanooga. “They love this team like family, and these recruits can feel that. They see it’s not fake. It’s real love.”

Multiple families of visiting recruits were reportedly “blown away” by the passion of the fan base. For several high-profile visitors, this was their first time experiencing the unique culture of Knoxville on a game-like weekend. The Vol Navy, often an autumn spectacle, even had a few boats docked near campus with flags flying high — a subtle but powerful message that Tennessee fans treat every moment seriously.

COACHING STAFF TAKES CENTER STAGE

While the energy around the program was palpable, the biggest credit may belong to the Tennessee coaching staff, which coordinated a weekend itinerary that managed to balance fun, education, and depth of connection.

Head coach Josh Heupel led the charge, personally spending extended time with each five-star prospect and their families. Insiders described Heupel’s message as “clear, passionate, and confident.” He emphasized player development, NFL preparation, and the strength of Tennessee’s academic and life support systems.

Offensive coordinator Joey Halzle and quarterbacks coach Mitch Militello played key roles in selling the offensive vision to Julian Lewis and other offensive prospects. For Frazier, Pope’s breakdowns of his film and comparisons to current Tennessee star Squirrel White made an impression.

On the defensive side, Tim Banks and defensive line coach Rodney Garner made a particularly strong pitch to Bellamy and Carter. Banks even brought out cut-ups of former Tennessee stars like Derek Barnett and Trey Smith to demonstrate how development at Rocky Top can translate into NFL success.

“Coach Garner is the real deal,” said Carter. “He doesn’t sugarcoat it. He tells you what you need to do to be great, and he’s done it before. That’s who I want coaching me.”

NIL FACTOR: SPARKS FLY BUT QUESTIONS REMAIN

No recruiting visit in 2025 is complete without a conversation around Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL), and Tennessee appears to be putting its best foot forward in that regard.

The Spyre Sports Group, Tennessee’s primary NIL collective, hosted a private informational session for the recruits and their families. While details of the session were not made public, sources close to the program said the presentation included testimonials from current athletes and a clear outline of how Tennessee helps players grow their brand.

Julian Lewis’s father was reportedly impressed with the professionalism of Tennessee’s NIL approach. “They’re not selling a dream — they’re showing results,” he said. “You want your kid in a place that can develop them, support them, and set them up for life.”

Still, questions remain among some families about long-term sustainability and the balance between athletics and NIL. A few defensive recruits asked about NIL transparency and how it integrates with the locker room culture.

To that end, Coach Heupel reiterated in his meetings that Tennessee focuses on “program-first values” and that “NIL will never replace football — it will enhance it for those who earn it.”

FAMILY ATMOSPHERE AND ACADEMICS

Another theme throughout the weekend was Tennessee’s effort to showcase more than just football. Academic advisors, strength and conditioning staff, and even university leadership were on hand to speak to recruits.

A panel led by former players who now work in finance, media, and coaching drove home the message that Tennessee is committed to life after football.

For families, this resonated. “Football is four years, maybe more,” said one parent. “But life is 40. And I feel like this place prepares them for both.”

Many families also took extra time to explore the Knoxville area. Organized visits to the city’s downtown, local eateries, and even the Smoky Mountains gave recruits a fuller sense of the environment. Several commented on the beauty and friendliness of the area.

EARLY REACTIONS AND PREDICTIONS

While no official commitments were made over the weekend, the buzz on recruiting message boards and among insiders is that Tennessee made serious movement with several top targets.

Julian Lewis’s recruitment remains open, but his weekend in Knoxville could vault the Vols into his top three. Jaime Frazier is expected to return for a game visit this fall, and Bellamy is reportedly now considering moving up his decision timeline, with Tennessee high on his list.

Royster and Mitchell both left Knoxville with “Vols trending” status according to multiple recruiting analysts, and Carter told reporters that he “could see himself here.”

Perhaps the most surprising development was the surge of optimism around Travis Johnson, the four-star tight end from Knoxville Catholic. Though considered a Notre Dame lean, his experience this weekend — especially the family element — could flip the script.

“It felt like home,” Johnson said simply.

A STRATEGIC MASTERPIECE

From top to bottom, Tennessee’s “Rocky Top Weekend” was a recruiting masterstroke. In a sport where perception often drives momentum, the Vols just changed the conversation — not with one commitment, but with an undeniable, collective wave of excitement.

The coaching staff sent a message: Tennessee is not just trying to compete with the nation’s elite. It’s already part of that conversation.

“We wanted to raise the bar,” said recruiting coordinator Brandon Lawson. “And I think we did that.”

The next few weeks will be telling as prospects return home, evaluate their options, and narrow down their lists. But make no mistake: Tennessee’s weekend blitz will echo across the recruiting landscape all summer long.

LOOKING AHEAD

With summer official visits coming up in June and a slew of fall game-day visits already in the works, Tennessee’s staff knows this is just the beginning. The success of the weekend now turns into strategic follow-ups, FaceTime calls, and home visits.

But the groundwork has been laid. The message is out.

Tennessee is serious. Tennessee is rising.

And the top recruits in America are listening.