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Eli Lederman, ESPN
Josh Heupel and Tennessee gained their highest-rated commit in the 2025 class Monday afternoon with the addition of five-star offensive tackle Douglas Utu.
Utu, No. 11 in the ESPN 300 and the third-ranked offensive tackle in the upcoming class, took an official visit with the Volunteers over the weekend and is now the fourth 2025 ESPN 300 prospect committed to the university. The 6-foot-6, 285-pound lineman’s pledge to Tennessee follows spring visits to Washington, Michigan, Nebraska and Alabama.
“Proud to be announcing that I will be committing my craft and talents to the University of Tennessee!” Utu wrote in a post to X. “You can’t spell UTU without UT! Go Vols!”
Utu is a three-year starter at Las Vegas’ Bishop Gorman High School, where he starred at right tackle on a team that went 12-0 on its way to the Nevada 5A Division-I state title last fall. He’ll head to Knoxville with NFL upside and versatility to play at both the tackle and guard spots. Prior to Monday, Utu was the second-highest rated uncommitted offensive tackle in the 2025 class behind five-star David Sanders.
Tennessee sat 14th in ESPN team recruiting rankings for the 2025 cycle before Utu’s commitment. With Utu, the Volunteers continue into the summer with a class that features four-star George MacIntyre (No. 5 quarterback), Ethan Utley (No. 9 defensive tackle) and Nic Moore (No. 6 offensive guard).
