Tennessee Vols have a tough obstacle to overcome in battle for elite 5-star recruit
One of the Tennessee Vols' top remaining 2025 recruiting targets is five-star offensive lineman Josh Petty. Petty, 6-foot-5/262 lbs from Roswell, GA, is rated by 247Sports as the No. 2 offensive tackle in the nation and the No. 14 overall player in the 2025 recruiting class. Five-star offensive tackle David Sanders Jr is arguably the […]
One of the Tennessee Vols' top remaining 2025 recruiting targets is five-star offensive lineman Josh Petty.
Petty, 6-foot-5/262 lbs from Roswell, GA, is rated by 247Sports as the No. 2 offensive tackle in the nation and the No. 14 overall player in the 2025 recruiting class.
Five-star offensive tackle David Sanders Jr is arguably the Vols' top remaining recruiting target, but Tennessee is also strongly pursuing Petty in case Sanders lands with another program.
Petty is scheduled to take an official visit to Tennessee in early June.
The talented five-star recruit recently told On3 that he wants to go to a program where he feels "loved".
“I am hoping to make a decision before the season,” said Petty. “That is ideal for me, but if not, I will take more time. Where I go, I want to be loved. For it to be right, I want there to be love on both ends.”
That comment seems to bode well for the Vols' chances of winning this recruiting battle considering the way Tennessee's coaching staff is universally viewed by recruits (the Vols' coaching staff has a strong reputation for "showing love").
One thing, however, that's working against the Vols in this recruiting battle is the fact that Petty's sister, according to On3's Steve Wiltfong, will be attending Florida State.
The Seminoles are one of the top contenders for Petty.
From On3: Going into those trips I like FSU’s position. Petty’s older sister will be attending school in Tallahassee and going to the same school has always been exciting for them.
“They have some variables working in their favor,” Petty’s father James told On3. “He has a great relationship with the o-line coach (Alex) Atkins and Coach (Mike) Norvell).”
Petty will take his officials and continue through his process. FSU is at or near the top of his list.
That connection could be tough for the Vols to overcome in this battle.
Tennessee badly wants to land either Sanders or Petty — either player would be a huge addition to the Vols' 2025 recruiting class.
Based on Wiltfong's recent note about Petty, it sounds like Sanders might be the more realistic option for the Volunteers.
