Tennessee football predicted to land No. 1 offensive tackle in the nation

Tennessee football is on a hot streak on the recruiting trail. The Vols have landed numerous blue-chip recruits throughout the summer, including Faizon Brandon, the No. 1 player in the 2026 recruiting class, earlier this month.

The Vols are looking to add another five-star player to its 2025 class, with five-star offensive tackle David Sanders Jr expecting to announce his commitment on August 17. 

According to all recruiting engines, Sanders is the No. 1 offensive tackle in the 2025 class and a top-ten overall player. 247Sports' Director of Scouting Andrew Ivins writes that Sanders has "an extremely high ceiling" due to his long arms, weight room numbers, and agility. 

"An athletic offensive tackle prospect with an extremely high ceiling given measurables and movement patterns. Over 6-foot-5 and equipped with arms that stretch over 36 inches. On the lighter side now, but has plenty of time to add mass and has already posted impressive markers in the weight room for a youngster as he can power clean 335 pounds. 

"Very nimble for someone with such long limbs as he can quickly set up for battle and then refortify, if needed," Ivins writes. "Might own a wiry frame now, but has a surprisingly strong punch and understands how to find leverage before unlocking his hips and trying to displace pass rushers with his explosive lower half. 

"Likely going to need some time to get adjusted to the speed of big-time college football, but has the skill set to emerge as a multi-year starter at left tackle for a contender. Top 32 upside given his reach and testing profile."

On3's Vice President of Recruiting and Transfer Portal Steve Wiltfong and Director of Recruiting Chad Simmons have made expert predictions that Sanders will commit to the Vols when he announces his decision later this month. 

Tennessee is currently the clubhouse leader for the best tackle in the nation. The Vols are looking to win over Sanders, while Ohio State, Georgia, and Clemson are working to stay in the race. 

This would be a huge win for the Vols on the recruiting trail. Tennessee currently has the No. 9 class in the 2025 recruiting cycle, which would help the Vols jump another spot or two in the rankings before the 2024 season starts at the end of the month.