In a stunning turn of events, top 5-star prospect, defensive lineman, James Pearce, has flipped his commitment from the Ohio State Buckeyes to the Tennessee Volunteers. Pearce, a 6-foot-5, 280-pound standout from Nashville, Tennessee, is widely regarded as one of the top defensive line prospects in the 2025 recruiting class.
Pearce’s decision to flip his commitment to Tennessee is a significant coup for the Volunteers, who have been working tirelessly to build a strong recruiting class. The Volunteers’ coaching staff, led by head coach Josh Heupel, has been able to build a strong relationship with Pearce and his family, and their efforts have paid off.
“I’m thrilled to announce that I’m committing to Tennessee,” Pearce said in a statement. “The Volunteers have a great tradition of producing top-notch defensive linemen, and I’m excited to be a part of that legacy. Coach Heupel and his staff have shown me a lot of love and support, and I feel like they genuinely care about me as a person.”
Pearce’s decision to choose Tennessee over Ohio State and other Big Ten powerhouses is a testament to the Volunteers’ strong recruiting efforts. The Volunteers have been able to build a strong pipeline of talent from the state of Tennessee, and Pearce’s commitment is the latest example of that.
“James is an exceptional talent with a tremendous work ethic,” Heupel said. “We’re thrilled to have him join our program and can’t wait to see him develop and contribute to our team’s success. He’s a game-changer, and we believe he would be a great fit for our team.”
Pearce is widely regarded as one of the top defensive line prospects in the 2025 recruiting class. He is ranked as the No. 2 defensive tackle prospect in the country, according to 247Sports, and is considered a key target for the Volunteers.
“James is a talented defensive lineman who can come in and compete for playing time right away,” Heupel said. “He’s got the size, speed, and agility to be a dominant force in the SEC. We’re excited to have him join our program and can’t wait to see him develop and contribute to our team’s success.”
In terms of the impact on the Volunteers’ roster, Pearce’s commitment provides a significant boost to the team’s defensive line. The Volunteers have been looking to build a strong defense, and Pearce’s talent and athleticism would be a major addition to the team.
“James is a game-changer,” Heupel said. “He’s got the talent and the work ethic to be a dominant force in the SEC. We’re excited to have him join our program and can’t wait to see him develop and contribute to our team’s success.”
Pearce’s commitment is also a significant blow to Ohio State and other Big Ten powerhouses, who had been heavily recruiting him. The Buckeyes had been considered one of the top contenders for Pearce’s services, but ultimately came up short.
In conclusion, top 5-star prospect James Pearce has flipped his commitment from Ohio State to Tennessee, a significant coup for the Volunteers. Pearce’s decision to choose Tennessee over Ohio State and other Big Ten powerhouses is a testament to the Volunteers’ strong recruiting efforts, and his commitment provides a significant boost to the team’s defensive line. With Pearce on board, the Volunteers are poised to make a major push in the SEC and beyond.