Vols 4-star signee earns big-time honor at recruiting event after excelling in an area where Tennessee typically struggles
The young four-star linebacker could prove to be a huge addition for the Tennessee Vols.
A four-star Tennessee Vols signee earned a big-time honor this week after excelling in an area where UT football typically struggles.
2026 four-star linebacker Brayden Rouse was named by On3 as the day two MVP of the Polynesian Bowl.
Rouse was particularly good in coverage on day two, according to On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings Charles Power.
“The Tennessee linebacker signee has made a case as the top cover linebacker in the 2026 cycle with his exceptional play in space,” noted Power. “During a 7-on-7 period in Tuesday’s practice, Rouse had excellent coverage of tight end Taimane Purcell on a vertical route up the seam, effortlessly tracking the throw and coming down with an interception…..The Marietta (Ga.) Kell product brings high-end coverage skills to Knoxville, given his ability to stand out in multiple national all-star settings.”
Tennessee’s linebackers have struggled to consistently perform at a high level in coverage in recent years. Opponents often attack the middle of the field against the Vols, knowing there are holes in coverage that can be exploited. This often results in Tennessee’s defense giving up back-breaking conversions in third-and-long situations. It’s a weakness that’s expected to improve under new Vols defensive coordinator Jim Knowles.
Rouse, who will be a true freshman this fall, will have a chance to quickly climb the depth chart in Knoxville since everyone will have a clean slate under Knowles.
Tennessee had to hold off Texas to sign Brayden Rouse
The Vols signed Rouse in December despite a late charge — which included a big NIL offer — from the Texas Longhorns.
“I love the get of Brayden Rouse,” said On3 national recruiting analyst Chad Simmons on The Inside Scoop last month. “He’s from my home state here in Georgia, Kell High School. [He is] a versatile EDGE/linebacker that they went toe to toe, back and forth — UT versus UT. Texas versus Tennessee. Tennessee got on him way earlier than the University of Texas. Texas made a big surge late — big offer, NIL wise. He was a big target for [Texas], too. I think he’s a huge get and a huge win (for the Vols) because of his versatility and what he can bring to the table defensively at Tennessee.”
Rouse, 6-foot-3/203 pounds from Marietta, GA, is rated by 247Sports as the No. 7 linebacker in the nation and the No. 10 player in the state of Georgia. He’s also rated as the No. 81 overall player in the 2026 recruiting class.
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