Tennessee football is largely known for its up-tempo, fast-paced offense, thanks to Josh Heupel, but the Vols are also coming around with a solid defensive group, and it will only get better.
The Vols have been emphasizing defense over the past few recruiting cycles, and with the help of linebackers coach William Inge, Tennessee is rolling in defensive recruits.
The most recent addition to Tennessee’s defense is 2026 four-star Brayden Rouse, who became the third linebacker and second four-star linebacker to commit to Tennessee on Tuesday. The No. 7 linebacker in the 2026 class announced he’s home in a commitment video posted Tuesday night.
IM HOME 🏠 pic.twitter.com/NcyZTYO8qN
— Brayden Rouse ✰ (@BraydenRouse8) July 9, 2025
Rouse is yet another commit out of Georgia, as Heupel continues to strengthen the Vols’ ties throughout the Peach State. He chose Tennessee over Texas, Alabama, and Michigan.
This is the sixth linebacker that Inge has recruited over the past two recruiting cycles. Last year, he signed four-star Jadon Perlotte, four-star Jaedon Harmon, and three-star Brenden Anes.
Inge and the Vols are quietly putting together an elite linebacker corps with plans to sustain and improve defensive success from
Add five-star edge Jordan Ross, four-star safety Boo Carter, cornerback Kaleb Beasley, and linebacker Edwin Spillman, who are preparing for their sophomore season and Tennessee is quickly becoming stacked in the back-half of the defense.
Everyone knows what Tennessee’s offense is capable of when it gets rolling. If the Vols can bring in another quarterback to operate the system efficiently, Tennessee could be dangerous with how they are recruiting on the defensive side of the ball.