Breaking: Just In – Donovan Jackson Flip Commitment to Tennessee Vols 6-Foot-5, 310-Pound 5-Star offensive guard Imminent Announcement…
Breaking: Just In – Donovan Jackson Flips Commitment to Tennessee Vols: 6-Foot-5, 310-Pound 5-Star Offensive Guard Imminent Announcement
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Knoxville, TN – April 15, 2025
In a shocking twist that’s sent ripples through the college football world, five-star offensive guard Donovan Jackson has flipped his commitment to the University of Tennessee, just days before National Signing Day.
Jackson, a towering 6-foot-5, 310-pound anchor from Houston, Texas, had been verbally committed to Ohio State for nearly a year. Regarded as the No. 1 interior offensive lineman in the class of 2025, Jackson had been a cornerstone of the Buckeyes’ recruiting class—until now.
Rumors had begun swirling late last week when Jackson made an unannounced trip to Knoxville. He was spotted on campus alongside Vols head coach Josh Heupel and offensive line coach Glen Elarbee during a private tour of Neyland Stadium. By Monday night, insiders close to the program hinted that a major announcement was imminent.
At 12:03 PM Eastern, Jackson took to Instagram Live with nearly 40,000 viewers tuned in. Wearing a gray hoodie with no visible logos, he smiled at the camera before pulling out a Tennessee Vols cap from beneath the table.
> “This decision wasn’t easy,” Jackson said. “Ohio State has been amazing, but something about Tennessee just felt right. The energy, the direction of the program, the love from the coaching staff—it’s real. I’m proud to say I’m 100% committed to Rocky Top.”
Tennessee fans erupted online, flooding social media with orange and white emojis, memes, and celebratory posts. The commitment marks a huge win for Heupel, who has quietly assembled a top-10 class and now lands arguably the most elite offensive lineman in the country.
More than just a recruiting victory, Jackson’s flip may signal a shift in momentum in the SEC East. With rising quarterback prospects, dynamic receivers, and now a dominant interior lineman, the Vols are building a foundation that rivals Georgia and Alabama.
Recruiting analysts praised the move as both strategic and symbolic.
> “This is a statement,” said ESPN’s Tom Luginbill. “Tennessee isn’t just trying to compete—they’re aiming to win it all. And Donovan Jackson? He’s the kind of player you build a championship line around.”
As for Ohio State, the loss is significant, but not unrecoverable. Still, missing out on Jackson will likely send their staff scrambling for a late-cycle replacement.
The Vols, meanwhile, are celebrating—and with good reason. Jackson’s announcement isn’t just a commitment. It’s a sign that big things are happening on Rocky Top.
Vol Nation, welcome your new anchor.
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