BREAKING: Georgia blue-chip linebacker commits to Tennessee

Tennessee football continues to strengthen its 2025 class with the addition of four-star linebacker Christian Gass. Ranked as the No. 85 player and No. 6 linebacker in the 2025 recruiting class by On3 Recruiting, Gass hails from Covington, Georgia, and chose Tennessee over several SEC rivals, including Georgia, USC, Kentucky, and Florida.

 

 

Gass cited the authenticity of the Tennessee coaching staff as a significant factor in his decision. “Tennessee has been genuine with me from the beginning,” Gass told On3. “When I narrowed things down, who was genuine and who showed me love was important. Tennessee always did that. Coach Ek (Mike Ekeler), coach William Inge, and the rest of the coaches at Tennessee made me a priority. They showed me I was important to them, and that never changed.

BREAKING: Four-Star LB Christian Gass has Committed to Tennessee, he tells me for @on3recruits

The 6’3 225 LB from Covington, GA chose the Vols over Georgia and USC

Ranked as a Top 85 Recruit in ‘25 (per On3)

“Jeremiah 29:11 I trust God’s plan.”https://t.co/foRHtSsEbF pic.twitter.com/tQD6uMhOZM

— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) July 20, 2024

“Their approach in getting to know me personally was also crucial. Tennessee recruited me as both a person and a linebacker, which meant a lot. I feel comfortable with the coaches there. They are good people with good energy who got to know me.”

This commitment reinforces the reputation of Josh Heupel and his staff as player-first coaches, at least in the recruiting process. With Gass’s commitment, the Vols now hold the No. 10 recruiting class nationally and the No. 5 class in the SEC, according to On3’s rankings. More good news could be on the horizon, with several blue-chip athletes considering committing to Tennessee in the coming weeks.

In the past month, the Vols have secured commitments from four-star wide receiver Travis Smith, four-star defensive lineman Charles House, four-star edge rusher Mariyon Dye, four-star offensive lineman Douglas Utu, and three-star corner Tre Poteat. Additionally, four-star safety Lagonza Hayward, four-star offensive lineman Juan Gaston, and five-star offensive linemen David Sanders Jr. and Josh Petty are all expected to announce their commitments soon, with Tennessee being a strong contender for all of them.