After landing a big-time linebacker recruit on Tuesday night, Tennessee’s recruiting class is rolling.
Just ask assistant coach William Inge.
👀 🏡 #WeRollin pic.twitter.com/KG3vwgZ7T7
— Coach William Inge (@WilliamInge1) July 8, 2025
Tennessee landed a commitment from four-star linebacker and Georgia native Brayden Rouse on Tuesday night, giving the Vols 19 total commitments in the 2026 class. Rouse is a Top 70 player in the nation and lands as 247Sports‘ No. 4 linebacker in the class.
The Vols also received a commitment from four-star linebacker TJ White last week. The Mississippi native is a Top 90 prospect in the class and is ranked as 247Sports‘ No. 5 linebacker in the class.
Long story short, Tennessee picked up the fourth and fifth-ranked linebackers in an eight-day stretch to add some high-level defensive talent to the class.
White seemed pretty amped up about Rouse’s commitment when the announcement came down on Tuesday night.
“This duo bouta go crazy,” White posted to X with the eyes emoji.
This duo bouta go crazy 👀@BraydenRouse8 https://t.co/NivQ1qxRAC
— Theron “TJ” White Jr (@TjWhite1_) July 8, 2025
More From RTI: How Tennessee Football Linebacker Coach William Inge is Dominating the Recruiting Trail
This is a duo that could go crazy for the Vols’ defense, too. Both players pack a load of talent into their games and can help the defense in different ways.
White has a nasty ability to rush the passer.
“Hybrid defender that can get after the quarterback,” 247’s Andrew Ivins wrote in a June evaluation. “Snap count is heavy on the edge looks, but has also displayed the ability to drop as an off-ball linebacker in camp settings. Suddenness and unexpected power has proven to be no match for opposing offensive tackles as he attacks the corner with plenty of vigor.”
Rouse, meanwhile, is a menace when he covers a wide range of space on the field.
“Exceptional coverage defender to the point where he could offer flexibility as a potential overhang on Saturdays,” 247’s Hudson Standish wrote in a June evaluation. “Will routinely make highlight snags at the catch point on both sides of the ball, and has shown serious YAC ability for a player his size.”
That’s not to say that either is a one-trick pony. Both White and Rouse are versatile players with a range of abilities on the field, so it’ll be up to the Vols’ coaching staff and linebackers coach William Inge to put them in the best spot to succeed. But any way you look at it, Tennessee bolstered its defense in a significant way for years to come with commitments from TJ White and Brayden Rouse in the last week.
Check out more on Tennessee’s linebacker recruiting class and William Inge’s job here.
Here’s a look at the linebacker talent that’ll be coming to Knoxville with the 2026 class:
No. 4 Linebacker Brayden Rouse
No. 5 Linebacker TJ White
