Five-Star 2025 Offensive Tackle David Sanders Jr. Decommits from Tennessee, Flips Commitment to Indiana Hoosiers
In a surprising turn of events, five-star 2025 offensive tackle David Sanders Jr. has officially decommitted from the University of Tennessee and flipped his commitment to the Indiana Hoosiers. This news has sent shockwaves through the recruiting world, as Sanders is widely regarded as one of the top prospects in the 2025 class, and his decision is expected to have a significant impact on both programs moving forward.
Sanders, a 6-foot-7, 290-pound offensive tackle from Charlotte, North Carolina, had previously committed to Tennessee in the summer of 2023. His decision to choose the Volunteers was seen as a major win for head coach Josh Heupel’s program, as Sanders is considered one of the most talented offensive linemen in recent memory, with a rare combination of size, athleticism, and technique. His commitment was celebrated as a crucial piece of the future for Tennessee’s offensive line, and the news of his decommitment has left many in the Tennessee fanbase reeling.
While the specifics of Sanders’ decision have not been fully disclosed, sources close to the situation suggest that the primary factor behind his decommitment was a shift in his relationship with the Tennessee coaching staff. Sanders, who has been a highly sought-after recruit since his sophomore year, reportedly felt that Indiana offered a better fit for his development both on and off the field. The Hoosiers’ coaching staff, led by head coach Tom Allen, has been making a concerted effort to secure top-tier recruits, and their relentless pursuit of Sanders ultimately paid off.
In a statement released through his social media channels, Sanders explained his decision:
“After much thought and reflection, I have decided to decommit from the University of Tennessee and commit to the University of Indiana. This was not an easy decision, but I believe Indiana is the best place for me to continue my academic and athletic development. I’m excited about what the future holds and am looking forward to joining the Hoosiers family.”
Indiana has been steadily improving its recruiting efforts in recent years, and the addition of a player of Sanders’ caliber is a major coup for the Hoosiers. The program has made strides under head coach Tom Allen, and landing a five-star recruit like Sanders is a testament to the growth of Indiana football. With Sanders’ commitment, the Hoosiers are looking to continue building their offensive line into one of the Big Ten’s most formidable units.
For Tennessee, Sanders’ decommitment is a blow to their 2025 recruiting class, which was already regarded as one of the nation’s best. The Volunteers have been working hard to fill out their offensive line for the future, and losing a player of Sanders’ talent will make that process more challenging. However, head coach Josh Heupel and his staff are known for their ability to quickly pivot in the recruiting process, and they will no doubt continue to pursue other high-profile offensive line prospects to strengthen their class.
While Sanders’ decommitment from Tennessee is a tough pill to swallow, it serves as a reminder of the volatility of recruiting in college football. With the recruiting landscape constantly shifting, coaches, players, and fans alike must stay prepared for surprises as the race for talent continues to unfold.
As for Sanders, his commitment to Indiana Hoosiers marks the beginning of a new chapter in his football career, and fans will be eagerly watching his development in the coming years as he prepares for what many anticipate will be a successful career in college football.