BREAKING: FIVE-STAR SHOOTING GUARD  COMMITS TO TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS OVER KENTUCKY, AUBURN, AND MICHIGAN STATE — STATES TWO STRONG REASONS FOR HIS DECISION…..DETAILS BELOW…..

In a monumental moment for Rick Barnes and the Tennessee basketball program, five-star shooting guard Jaylen Rivers has officially committed to the Tennessee Volunteers, giving the Vols one of the most exciting and impactful pledges of the 2025 recruiting cycle.

Rivers, a 6-foot-5, 195-pound explosive scorer from IMG Academy in Florida, is ranked as the No. 3 shooting guard and No. 11 overall prospect in the 2025 class. Known for his elite athleticism, smooth shot, and two-way ability, Rivers had offers from blue-bloods and rising programs alike, but ultimately chose Tennessee over Kentucky, Auburn, and Michigan State.

“Tennessee felt like home,” Rivers said during his announcement ceremony streamed on ESPN. “Coach Barnes believes in me as a player and a person, and that fan base — man, it’s something special.”

Rivers becomes the highest-ranked backcourt commitment for Tennessee since Kennedy Chandler in 2021 and is expected to be the centerpiece of the Vols’ 2025 class. His decision is already being praised by analysts as a major statement by the Vols on the national recruiting stage.

“Jaylen is the kind of player that can take over a game on both ends,” said Coach Rick Barnes, who has earned a reputation for developing NBA-ready talent. “His work ethic, his mindset, and his talent level are elite. He’s going to fit in perfectly with the culture we’re building here in Knoxville.”

As a junior at IMG, Rivers averaged 21.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.7 steals per game while playing one of the toughest national schedules in high school basketball. His ability to create his own shot, finish through contact, and lock down on defense has scouts projecting him as a potential one-and-done NBA lottery pick.

Rivers noted that Tennessee’s strong player development system and their reputation for building pros and emphasizing defense were the two main reasons for his commitment.

Social media exploded moments after the announcement. “#RockyTopRivers” and “#VolsGotOne” began trending in Tennessee, while fans and former players welcomed the 5-star standout to Knoxville. For a program that has consistently been in the mix in the SEC but searching for that final offensive spark, Rivers may be the missing piece.

“I want to be part of something big — something built on family, discipline, and winning,” Rivers added. “I’m not just going to Tennessee for myself. I want to hang a banner in that gym.”

Rivers is expected to enroll in the summer of 2025, and all signs point to him making an immediate impact. Tennessee’s class is already climbing in the national rankings and could crack the Top 5 with a few more key additions — ones Rivers says he’s already recruiting.

“I’m coming to win,” he said with a smile. “Let’s get it, Vol Nation.”