Tennessee Vols reportedly picking up steam in battle for elite 4-star recruit
The Tennessee Vols appear to be building some momentum in the battle for an elite four-star recruit from Atlanta. 2025 four-star wide receiver Travis Smith Jr, 6-foot-4/191 lbs from Atlanta, GA, has long been considered a Georgia Bulldogs lean. But as we enter the summer months, it appears that Tennessee, as well as Alabama, has […]
The Tennessee Vols appear to be building some momentum in the battle for an elite four-star recruit from Atlanta.
2025 four-star wide receiver Travis Smith Jr, 6-foot-4/191 lbs from Atlanta, GA, has long been considered a Georgia Bulldogs lean.
But as we enter the summer months, it appears that Tennessee, as well as Alabama, has emerged as a legitimate threat to land the dynamic playmaker.
Smith, who is rated as the No. 13 wide receiver in the 2025 recruiting class (per 247Sports composite rankings), will take an official visit to Tennessee this weekend. It's Smith's final scheduled official visit before his commitment date, which is currently set for July 13.
"The Bulldogs are not as strong in that one as they once were with Alabama and the Vols in the thick of it," noted On3's Steve Wiltfong on Thursday while discussing Smith's recruitment.
Scouting report on Travis Smith via 247Sports: Prototypical outside receiver build measuring around 6-foot-4, 200 pounds on multiple occasions with a plus wingspan. Has proven to be a matchup nightmare on the outside on Friday nights and combine settings against top-tier defensive backs as he can climb the ladder in contested catch scenarios or attack all areas of the field with an expanded route tree. Does not possess an elite top-end gear to separate from quicker defensive backs but has a knack for separating late while tracking the ball in the air. Crafty route runner at all three levels who can sink his hips with ease or use subtle head and body movements to cause defenders to guess incorrectly. At this stage of the evaluation process, Smith profiles as one of the higher-floor wideouts in the country and one of the better pass-catchers from the Deep South. Has a chance to contribute immediately at the Power Four level, but must continue to work on separating earlier in his routes to realize long-term NFL Draft upside.
Smith told 247Sports' Ryan Callahan earlier this month that he's mainly focusing on Georgia and Tennessee ahead of his July decision date.
"It's really a toss-up between Georgia and Tennessee, even though they run two completely different offenses," said Smith.
Tennessee beat out Georgia last year for 2024 five-star wide receiver Mike Matthews, despite the Bulldogs' last ditch NIL efforts.
If Tennessee can beat out Georgia for Smith, it would send quite a message to the rest of the SEC — especially since it was assumed that Smith would eventually land with the Bulldogs.
Of course, there's still a few weeks to go before Smith makes a decision, so this recruitment could still have a few twists and turns. The Vols will have to nail his official visit this weekend. And even then, it might not be enough to overtake Georgia.
The fact that Tennessee has managed to make this a close battle is a testament to the job that Josh Heupel and his staff have done in Knoxville over the last couple of years. And the good news for Vols fans is that they're really just getting started.
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Gonna be a huge game for the Vols
