Just days after wrapping up a strong showing at the Navy All-American Bowl, Tennessee linebacker signee Brayden Rouse is already hard at work at his next high school event on the road to Rocky Top.
On Tuesday, Rivals’ Charles Power and Greg Biggins named Rouse as the MVP and top performer at the second day of Polynesian Bowl practices. Power posted a video online of Rouse snagging an interception during 7-on-7 work, boasting that the Tennessee signee “continues to look like one of the top cover linebackers in the 2026 cycle.”
Interception by Tennessee LB signee Brayden Rouse in 7on7 @polynesiabowl practice. Continues to look like one of the top cover linebackers in the 2026 cycle.
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— Charles Power (@CharlesPower) January 13, 2026
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“Blessed, never satisfied,” Rouse posted on X.
Tennessee won a massive recruiting battle when the Marietta, GA, prospect committed to the Vols over the summer. Combined with the additional signing of four-star linebacker TJ White, the pair of players make up some impressive young talent coming to Rocky Top this offseason.
Rivals’ Industry Rankings have Rouse tagged as a four-star prospect. He’s also listed as the No. 94 player in the class, the No. 7 linebacker in the cycle, and the No. 11 player from the state of Georgia.
Prior to this week’s Polynesian Bowl practices, Rouse (and White) spent last week down in San Antonio, TX, in the lead-up to the Navy All-American Bowl this past Saturday. Rouse was a standout player both on the practice field and in the game, helping lead the East Team to a victory over the West Team in the Alamodome. Rouse was also named the fourth-best performer during one of the Navy All-American Bowl’s practices last week by Rivals.
“A long athlete that is continuing to physically develop,” Vols head coach Josh Heupel said about Rouse on signing day. “We recognized all the traits really (early) on in the process. Unbelievable family. Dad is coaching. And his football IQ has continued to grow. Really unique skill set. You look at him playing on the offensive side of the ball, wide receiver, tight end. Physically, he has continued to develop. He’s played on all three levels of the defense as well.
“And every time that we’re talking to him on a given game week, he’s moving somewhere else. And the structure of it, he’s got great athleticism, change of direction. I think his body’s going to explode when he gets to college and is focused on one sport and in the weight room every single day. Just a high character, highly athletic individual that’s, I think, going to develop into a really special player.”
Tennessee LB signee Brayden Rouse going through drills @polynesiabowl practice. Fluid in coverage and coming off a strong week at Navy AAB.
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— Charles Power (@CharlesPower) January 13, 2026
