Four-star linebacker Kedric Simmons has officially committed to the University of Tennessee, delivering a major win for head coach Josh Heupel and his staff on the recruiting trail. The 2025 prospect from Georgia made his decision public on Saturday, choosing the Volunteers over finalists Alabama, Florida, and South Carolina.
Simmons, rated as one of the top 20 linebackers in the nation and a top-200 overall recruit by most major services, brings size, speed, and versatility to Tennessee’s defense. At 6-foot-2 and 215 pounds, he’s known for his sideline-to-sideline range, quick reads, and physical tackling ability. His decision marks another statement move for a Tennessee program looking to build on recent recruiting success.
In breaking down his commitment, Kedric cited relationships, vision, and opportunity. “Tennessee felt like home every time I was there,” he said. “Coach Heupel has built something special. Coach [Brian] Jean-Mary believed in me from day one, and I know I can thrive in their system.”
Simmons took multiple visits to Knoxville throughout the spring and summer, including an official visit earlier this month. The energy around the program, player development, and the culture on campus left a lasting impression. “You can tell they’re building something real,” he added. “The fans, the facilities, the people—everything just felt right.”
While Tennessee’s high-powered offense gets much of the national attention, the addition of Kedric is a clear indication that the Volunteers are also making defense a priority. Simmons projects as a key piece in the linebacker corps, with the ability to contribute early due to his football IQ and athleticism.
The commitment also gives Tennessee continued momentum in the 2025 class, now ranked inside the top 10 nationally. Simmons becomes the second four-star defender to join the Vols this month, strengthening a class that is well-rounded on both sides of the ball.
“This is more than just football to me,” Simmons said. “It’s about finding a place where I can grow, compete, and represent something bigger than myself. I found that in Tennessee.”
With Kedric Simmons now locked in, the Volunteers have landed a cornerstone piece for the future of their defense—and possibly a future SEC standout.