Tennessee football has landed a major flip in its 2025 class. Four-star linebacker Cameron Harvey has de-committed from Mississippi State and officially pledged to the Tennessee Volunteers, adding another promising talent to Josh Heupel’s growing list of defensive recruits.

 

Harvey, who hails from Alabama, is ranked as one of the top linebackers in the 2025 recruiting class. His commitment is a huge win for the Volunteers, especially given the SEC competition for his signature. Tennessee’s aggressive approach in the recruitment battle paid off as they were able to convince Harvey to flip his commitment from Mississippi State, a school he had initially chosen due to strong ties to their coaching staff.

 

Tennessee has been putting in the work to revamp its defense, and landing Harvey is a step in the right direction. The Vols’ coaching staff, particularly defensive coordinator Tim Banks, played a key role in securing Harvey’s commitment. They pitched him on the idea of joining a rising program that’s looking to solidify its defensive unit as it competes for SEC championships in the coming years. The opportunity to play in a system that highlights aggressive linebacker play was reportedly a huge selling point for Harvey.

 

At 6-foot-3 and around 220 pounds, Harvey has the ideal build for an SEC linebacker. He possesses the speed, physicality, and football IQ needed to thrive in the fast-paced, hard-hitting environment of the conference. His versatility allows him to make plays both in coverage and at the line of scrimmage, which will make him a valuable asset to Tennessee’s defensive schemes. Harvey’s commitment comes at a crucial time, as Tennessee continues to stockpile talent for future seasons in the highly competitive SEC.

 

For Mississippi State, Harvey’s de-commitment is a major blow. The Bulldogs had been banking on keeping him in their class, especially given the strength of their linebacker room and the projected opportunities he would have had to contribute early. However, Tennessee’s recent success and the appeal of playing under a coaching staff known for developing top-tier defensive talent likely swayed Harvey’s decision.

 

This flip is a clear indication of the momentum Josh Heupel’s program is building, both on the field and in recruiting. Adding Harvey to the fold is another sign that Tennessee is establishing itself as a destination for elite defensive recruits, as they look to compete with the SEC’s powerhouse programs. Harvey’s arrival in Knoxville will undoubtedly add excitement to an already promising 2025 recruiting class.