Breaking News: Dylan Lewis, a 2025 DB commit, on the Vols’ recruiting success and the season’s beginning

Breaking News: Dylan Lewis, a 2025 DB commit, on the Vols’ recruiting success and the season’s beginning

Breaking News: Dylan Lewis, 2025 DB Commit, Talks Tennessee Vols’ Recruiting Success and the Season’s Start

NASHVILLE, TN – As the Tennessee Volunteers’ 2025 recruiting class continues to shape up with standout commitments, one of the most anticipated players in that class, Dylan Lewis, a highly regarded defensive back (DB) out of Tennessee, is already generating significant buzz. With his commitment to the Vols firm and the college football season in full swing, Lewis spoke exclusively to reporters about Tennessee’s recruiting success, the excitement surrounding the program, and what he expects for the rest of the season.

Lewis’s Recruitment Journey: A Homegrown Talent

Standing at 6’1” and weighing in at 185 pounds, Dylan Lewis has long been regarded as one of the top defensive prospects in the 2025 recruiting cycle. Hailing from Memphis, Lewis has become a familiar name in the local high school football scene, where his ability to track the ball, cover receivers, and make plays in the secondary has made him one of the most coveted recruits in the nation.

Though Lewis had scholarship offers from several of college football’s powerhouses, including Alabama, Georgia, and Ohio State, his commitment to the University of Tennessee was a significant win for the Vols’ coaching staff, particularly given the heightened competition for his services.

“It feels great to be staying home,” Lewis told reporters at a recent event. “I’ve watched Tennessee football since I was a kid. To have the chance to play for a school I’ve always supported, in front of my friends and family, is a dream come true. Coach Heupel and the staff made me feel at home from day one.”

Lewis is part of an emerging trend in the 2025 recruiting class, where Tennessee has been successful in keeping top-tier talent in-state. This has been a marked shift compared to previous years when the Vols struggled to retain the state’s best players. But under head coach Josh Heupel’s leadership, Tennessee has made impressive strides, both on the field and in recruiting, and the early commitments for the 2025 class are a testament to that success.

Tennessee’s Recruiting Surge Under Josh Heupel

In just a few short years, Heupel’s recruiting efforts have transformed the Volunteers’ program. After taking over the helm in 2021, Heupel has built Tennessee into a contender both in the SEC and nationally. His high-octane offense, characterized by a fast-paced, pass-heavy attack, has rejuvenated the program and made it an attractive destination for top-tier recruits.

The Vols’ success on the recruiting trail is also a direct reflection of Heupel’s ability to foster relationships with recruits, their families, and the local high school coaching community. The commitment of Lewis, alongside a growing number of other highly ranked recruits, signals a shift in how the program is viewed by high school athletes.

“Coach Heupel is a great communicator,” Lewis explained. “He’s always been open with me and my family, and that really made a difference in my decision. He’s got the program on the right track, and I see a lot of potential in what they’re building at Tennessee.”

Heupel’s ability to retain and develop in-state talent has proven crucial, as Tennessee competes with perennial powers like Alabama and Georgia for top prospects. Lewis’s commitment, in particular, highlights the Vols’ growing in-state dominance, something that hasn’t been a staple of the program in recent years.

“The success we’re seeing with Tennessee recruiting isn’t just about the big-name players we’re bringing in. It’s about the culture and environment Coach Heupel and his staff have built,” said Lewis. “You want to go to a place where the coaches care about you as a person and as a player. That’s Tennessee.”

Tennessee’s 2024 Season and Beyond

As the Volunteers continue to build momentum on the recruiting trail, the excitement surrounding the program’s current season has also been palpable. Tennessee kicked off the 2024 campaign with high hopes, and Lewis, despite not yet being on the field as a player, has been following the team closely.

With a roster full of experienced players and a high-powered offense led by quarterback Joe Milton, Tennessee has positioned itself as one of the top teams in the SEC. After a strong finish to the 2023 season, where the Vols reached a top 10 ranking and earned a spot in a prestigious bowl game, expectations are even higher for the 2024 season.

“Watching them this season has been incredible,” said Lewis. “The offense is electric, and the defense is playing fast. They’re fun to watch. I can’t wait to be a part of that atmosphere next year. They’ve got a special group, and I think they’re going to make a run at a championship.”

The Vols’ offense, led by Heupel’s signature up-tempo system, has been one of the most dynamic in the country. Milton, a fifth-year senior, has taken over as the starting quarterback after years of development, and he has shown the ability to lead the offense with poise and precision. The addition of several high-profile transfers has given the Vols a wealth of talent on both sides of the ball, adding to the excitement for fans heading into the rest of the season.

But as much as the Vols’ offense garners attention, it is the defensive side of the ball where players like Lewis are poised to make a significant impact in the years to come. Tennessee’s defense has been improving steadily under defensive coordinator Tim Banks, with an emphasis on speed, physicality, and turnovers.

For Lewis, the opportunity to join that defense is one of the primary reasons for his commitment. Known for his ball-hawking skills and ability to make crucial plays in the secondary, he is a player who could make an immediate impact when he arrives in Knoxville. With the Vols’ defense continuing to evolve, Lewis sees a chance to be a key part of that growth.

“I’ve been watching the defense, and I can see the potential for great things. There’s a lot of energy on that side of the ball,” Lewis said. “I’m excited to come in and contribute to that. There’s a lot of young talent, and I want to add to that mix.”

Looking Ahead to the 2025 Class

As for what lies ahead, the 2025 class is shaping up to be one of Tennessee’s best in recent memory. With Lewis as one of the cornerstones, the Vols are in a prime position to make noise both on the recruiting trail and on the field in the coming years. Along with Lewis, several top-tier recruits are considering Tennessee, and the momentum the Vols have gained this season could continue to help them close out the cycle strong.

“Being part of this 2025 class is exciting,” Lewis said. “I’m seeing a lot of guys I know and respect making their decisions, and it’s awesome to see so many of them choosing Tennessee. I think this class is going to be something special.”

With a program that is beginning to attract top recruits, has a proven coaching staff, and is experiencing success on the field, Tennessee’s future looks bright. As the 2024 season unfolds, fans in Knoxville are eagerly awaiting what’s next, both in terms of the current campaign and the talent that will arrive in the coming years.

Dylan Lewis’s commitment is just one example of the growing momentum behind Tennessee football, a program that appears to be on the rise after years of rebuilding. As he prepares to join the Vols in 2025, there’s no doubt that he and his fellow recruits will be a crucial part of Tennessee’s quest for SEC championships and, ultimately, national prominence.