BREAKING: 5-STAR DEFENSIVE LINEMAN COMMITS TO TENNESSEE — VOLS LAND ELITE 6’5”, 275-LB TRENCH MONSTER OVER ALABAMA AND GEORGIA, AS HE STATES TWO REASONS FOR HIS DECISION….READ MORE…..

In a massive recruiting win for the Tennessee Volunteers, 5-star defensive lineman Justus Terry has officially announced his commitment to the program. The 6-foot-5, 275-pound standout from Manchester, Georgia, made his decision public Tuesday morning, sending a shockwave through the college football recruiting landscape.

Terry, ranked as one of the top defensive line prospects in the nation for the class of 2025, chose Tennessee over SEC powerhouses Alabama and Georgia, both of whom had been heavily pursuing him throughout the recruiting process.

“This is home now,” Terry said during a live commitment interview streamed on social media. “I’ve thought long and hard about it, and there are two reasons why Tennessee is where I need to be. It just felt right.”

While Terry didn’t disclose the exact reasons during his announcement, his statement added intrigue and excitement to a commitment already being hailed as one of the biggest recruiting victories for Tennessee in the Josh Heupel era.

A Game-Changer for Tennessee’s Defensive Front

Justus Terry brings elite size, athleticism, and raw power to Tennessee’s defensive front. With a rare combination of length, speed, and technique, he has drawn comparisons to NFL-level pass rushers and is expected to make an immediate impact the moment he steps on campus.

During his junior year at Manchester High School, Terry recorded 78 tackles, 16 sacks, and 24 tackles for loss. His disruptive presence consistently demanded double teams, and he often dominated opponents with sheer strength and explosiveness off the line.

“Justus has the tools to be one of the most dominant defensive players in college football,” one recruiting analyst noted. “Tennessee getting him shows they’re no longer just chasing the top SEC teams—they’re beating them.”

A Major Recruiting Statement by Josh Heupel

This commitment marks another major step in head coach Josh Heupel’s efforts to elevate Tennessee into the upper tier of the SEC. With Terry on board, Tennessee’s 2025 recruiting class now jumps significantly in the national rankings, pushing them closer to the top 5.

“We’re building something special here,” Heupel said in a brief statement following the commitment. “Justus is not only an elite player, he’s an elite person. We’re thrilled to welcome him into the Volunteer family.”

Reaction from Around the SEC

Terry’s decision to spurn both Alabama and Georgia has already sparked strong reactions across the college football world. Many expected him to stay in-state with Georgia, especially after attending several of their games last fall. Others believed Alabama’s legacy of producing NFL linemen would seal the deal.

Instead, Tennessee landed a blue-chip anchor for its defense — and did so in convincing fashion.

Looking Ahead

Terry plans to enroll early and join the team in Knoxville in January 2025. He stated he’s focused on leading his high school to a state title before shifting his focus to making an impact at the next level.

“I’m locked in,” Terry said. “I’m ready to be a Volunteer and give everything I’ve got to bring wins back to Rocky Top.”