Tennessee football continues to strengthen its trenches with the latest addition to its 2025 recruiting class. On Saturday, the Volunteers landed a major commitment from offensive line target Marcus “MJ” Rivers, a 6-foot-5, 315-pound interior lineman out of Buford, Georgia. Rivers chose Tennessee over other SEC contenders including Georgia, Auburn, and Florida, giving head coach Josh Heupel another critical piece to a growing class that emphasizes size, physicality, and long-term potential in the trenches.
Rivers, a consensus three-star recruit, has seen his stock rise throughout the spring and summer. Known for his powerful hands, strong base, and ability to anchor in pass protection, Rivers has drawn praise from scouts for his versatility. While he projects primarily as a guard at the next level, his footwork and reach allow him to shift to tackle when needed. Tennessee offensive line coach Glen Elarbee made Rivers a priority early in the cycle, and his consistent presence paid off in the form of this key commitment.
“From the moment I stepped on campus, Tennessee just felt different,” Rivers said during his announcement. “The energy, the coaches, the fans — it felt like home. I trust Coach Heupel and Coach Elarbee to develop me not just as a player, but as a man.”
The commitment gives Tennessee its second offensive line pledge in the 2025 cycle and boosts the overall class ranking into the top 15 nationally. Rivers is expected to enroll early in Knoxville, aiming to compete for reps as
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