Elite Tennessee Vols 2025 commit silences rumors on his whereabouts in Week 10

While a lot of us are focused on the Tennessee vs. Kentucky showdown at Neyland Stadium, it's safe to say that Jacksonville is going to be PACKED for the battle between Georgia and Florida. As it turns out, it was reported a 4-star Tennessee safety commit was going to be in town watching UGA.

Not only that, but 'flip watch' for safety Lagonza Hayward was also put in place. Being a Georgia native, it makes sense that Kirby Smart and Co. would want to keep him home and prevent him from leaving to go play for Josh Heupel. However, it looks like he's not on hand for the contest after all.

In a bit of relief for Vols fans who follow recruiting closely, Hayward took to social media to announce that he indeed is not in Jacksonville in the Bulldogs' section. Instead, he's home in Lyons, Ga.

4-star Tennessee commit Lagonza Hayward is sticking with the Vols

As soon as it was reported that Hayward made the trip to Florida, we don't have to tell you that people were a bit concerned. Smart is a rockstar recruiter and him trying to make a play on a Tennessee pledge shouldn't come as a surprise at all.

However, don't forget that Heupel and his staff have been absolutely killing it on the recruiting trail, hauling in several pledges this week. Heupel is sending statements with his recruiting wins and it's another victory in itself that Hayward has cleared the air for everyone.

Hayward is a 6-1, 200-pound standout, ranked the No. 13 safety in the country and No. 23 player overall from Georgia. Throughout his recruitment, he picked up offers from Tennessee, Florida, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama and many others.

The future Vols' defensive back took an official visit to UGA in late May, but also to Knoxville in June. He announced his verbal in late July, which had countless people in Tennessee fired up. Smart clearly wants to keep shooting his shot with the youngster, but Heupel is ready to make sure he doesn't let this kid slip away.