It was a good news/bad news day for the Tennessee football team. First, wide receiver Malik Benson, who had the Vols in his final three, announced that he was going to be signing with Oregon. Yes, that was a bit of a bummer for head man Josh Heupel. However, another update arrived soon after.
That's right, Alabama wide receiver transfer Amari Jefferson, as expected, announced his commitment to Tennessee. Jefferson was previously committed to play baseball for Tennessee, but signed with Alabama instead. He'll end up being Knoxville-bound after all.
On social media, Jefferson let Tennessee fans everywhere know that he's been a fan of the university for quite some time. Need further proof of that? Take a look at the picture he just posted. Yup, that's Jefferson as a toddler in a throwback Tennessee jersey. Love it:
Amari Jefferson’s Instagram story of him as a kid in a Tennessee jersey.
— Vol Report (@AllVolReport) January 7, 2025
The Alabama transfer just announced his commitment to the Volunteers. pic.twitter.com/n2eQUX9QYh
Former Alabama WR Amari Jefferson has committed to Tennessee
That's adorable. Things didn't go to plan for Jefferson with the Tide, as he arrived in Tuscaloosa with big expectations as a 4-star signee. However, he's now ready for this next opportunity that he was with Tennessee. Will he be able to deliver for Heupel?
He will have a great chance to make plays, as there's going to be a new look for the wide receivers room. This offseason, five wideouts entered the portal. However, the good news is that Chris Brazzell will be back and Mike Matthews didn't end up transferring after all.
Not only that, but standout defensive back Boo Carter nearly left town too, but he's going to stay with Tennessee and play wide receiver in 2025 as well. Yes, the WRs room is a bit young and unproven for UT, but there sure is a lot of potential.
Adding Jefferson to the mix should feel like a strong win for Heupel, especially after missing out on Benson and Zachariah Branch, who ended up signing with Georgia.