Tennessee Vols Football Recruiting: Josh Heupel Lands Promising 2026 EDGE CJ Edwards
KNOXVILLE, TN: The Tennessee Vols football recruiting effort is now gaining even more steam with their latest addition. Coach Josh Heupel and his staff have just locked in a commitment from 2026 EDGE rusher CJ Edwards, a big 6-foot-5, 218-pound defender from Metuchen, New Jersey. As a result, the Vols’ future defense looks even stronger with this talented prospect on board.
According to On3.com, Tennessee was actually the first school to offer Edwards a scholarship, which clearly played a key role in his choice. Moreover, Edwards joins an already strong 2026 class led by five-star quarterback Faizon Brandon, along with other top recruits like On300 receiver Tyreek King and four-star tight end Carson Sneed.
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Tennessee Vols Football Recruiting Success Continues
The Tennessee Vols football recruiting plan has been working well under Josh Heupel’s guidance. With Edwards now on board as the eighth commitment in the cycle, the Vols currently rank No. 7 nationally in 247Sports’ class rankings. Additionally, this early success shows how Heupel has lifted Tennessee’s appeal to top recruits, as highlighted in our national signing day analysis.
“Oh man, the level of commitment they showed me when it came to recruiting, plus the staff and the winning culture—they’ve built something special,” Edwards said. “Coach Heupel has something impressive going on, and I can see myself adding to that.”
Edwards plans to take his official visit to Tennessee the weekend of June 21, 2025, which will further strengthen his bond with the program. In addition, his early commitment gives the Tennessee coaching staff time to build their defense around his skills.
Why Edwards Chose the Volunteers Over Other Programs
The Tennessee Vols football recruiting pitch clearly won over Edwards, who had plenty of other options. The Michigan Wolverines, Boston College Eagles, and Duke Blue Devils were all trying to land him, but ultimately, Tennessee’s program proved more appealing.
Michigan Wolverines offer a well-known program with great defensive coaching. Because of their rich history, success sending players to the NFL, and huge fan base, the Wolverines made a strong case. Also, their recent playoff games and impressive 2025 recruiting class showed their national standing.
Boston College, on the other hand, offers a solid growth-focused approach. The Eagles are known for turning three-star recruits into NFL players, which could have tempted Edwards. Furthermore, their strong academics mixed with ACC competition gives players a well-rounded college experience.
What Makes Edwards Special as a Prospect
It’s easy to see why Tennessee Vols football recruiting coaches targeted Edwards early. First of all, at 6-foot-5 with a 218-pound frame that can add more muscle, Edwards fits the perfect mold for SEC edge rushers that top programs want, similar to players featured in our elite defensive recruits article.
Beyond his size, coaches also praise Edwards’ quick first step and natural bending ability. In fact, Edwards has shown great instincts when rushing the quarterback—exactly what Tennessee’s defense needs to succeed.
Future Impact on Tennessee’s Defense
Although it’s still early in the Tennessee Vols football recruiting cycle for 2026, adding Edwards is clearly a big win. With almost two years until signing day, consequently, Edwards’ ranking will likely rise, his connection with Tennessee will grow stronger, and probably more top defensive players will join him in Knoxville, similar to how SEC programs have dominated recent recruiting cycles.
One recruiting expert noted, “Edwards might not be the highest-rated prospect right now, but his ceiling is very high. Tennessee spotted him early, and that could really pay off down the road.”
Whether Edwards becomes an instant starter or takes time to reach his full potential, his decision is yet another win for Josh Heupel’s program. As a result, this ongoing recruiting success looks good for Tennessee’s return to the top of the SEC.
For the latest updates on Tennessee Vols football recruiting and other SEC news, keep following Prospect-Radar.com. Also check out our coverage of Tennessee’s 2025 recruiting class, Elite defensive recruits, Top linebacker prospects, and how programs like Texas A&M are building their recruiting classes.
