Five-Star Bust?? | Tennessee Vols Football

Tennessee Volunteers football has long been one of the proudest programs in the NCAA, with a history that boasts championship trophies, legendary players, and unforgettable moments. However, as the game has evolved, so too have the expectations and the level of competition. In recent years, the Vols have encountered their fair share of struggles, and one of the key narratives surrounding the program has been the inability to consistently develop and utilize highly-touted recruits — specifically five-star players. With the 2025 recruiting class on the horizon, and new talent entering Knoxville, the question must be asked: Are Tennessee’s five-star recruits living up to the hype, or are they another example of what could have been? The answers might reveal much about the present and future of Tennessee football.

The Five-Star Dream

Recruiting is the lifeblood of college football. Teams live and die based on the talent they bring in each year, and no recruiting class is more highly scrutinized than the five-star players. These athletes are considered the best of the best, the cream of the crop who are expected to make an immediate impact and turn programs into national contenders. Tennessee, with its storied history and rabid fanbase, has always been in the mix for top-tier recruits.

In recent years, Tennessee has seen an influx of five-star recruits. While this speaks to the program’s continued appeal and success in recruiting, it also raises a fair question: are these players contributing to the team’s success, or are they falling short of expectations? A closer look at the five-star recruits who have come through Knoxville — and how they’ve performed — can shed light on this issue.

A History of High Expectations

Before we dive into recent years, it’s essential to understand that the Vols have a history of recruiting top-tier talent. Under legendary head coach Phil Fulmer, the Vols recruited and developed several high-profile players, including future NFL stars like Peyton Manning, Al Wilson, and Jamal Lewis. Tennessee won its most recent national championship in 1998, largely thanks to an abundance of talent that included several future NFL draft picks.

As the college football landscape changed and Tennessee’s success began to wane, however, the program struggled to land top recruits. But in the last decade, Tennessee has enjoyed a resurgence in recruiting under coaches like Butch Jones, Jeremy Pruitt, and most recently, Josh Heupel.

Under Heupel, Tennessee has seen a noticeable rise in its recruiting rankings, and the Vols are landing more five-star prospects than they have in years. The hope, of course, is that these blue-chip recruits will return Tennessee to the upper echelon of college football.

The Reality of Five-Star Recruits in Knoxville

Despite all the excitement surrounding five-star recruits, the reality of their performance hasn’t always matched the expectations. While some have flourished in the Tennessee system, others have faced challenges that have led to underwhelming careers. Let’s examine a few examples from recent years to get a better sense of whether Tennessee’s five-star players have been busts or if the program is simply in need of better development.

1. Bryce Thompson (2018)

Bryce Thompson, a five-star cornerback from Nashville, was one of the highest-rated players in Tennessee’s 2018 recruiting class. Thompson had the pedigree to become an elite cornerback, and fans expected him to be the cornerstone of a revamped secondary. However, his career at Tennessee has been a rollercoaster.

On the field, Thompson showed flashes of brilliance, particularly in his sophomore season when he emerged as one of the best corners in the SEC. But injuries and inconsistency plagued his career. Despite his talent, Thompson never reached the All-SEC level that many had predicted, and he eventually left the program for the NFL after his junior year, where he went undrafted.

While Thompson’s story isn’t a complete bust, it serves as an example of how high expectations can collide with reality. His time at Tennessee was solid but not spectacular, and that can be considered a disappointment given his five-star status.

2. Jayson Swain (2019)

Another recent five-star recruit was Jayson Swain, an explosive wide receiver from Georgia. Highly ranked, Swain was expected to be a game-changer in Tennessee’s offense. But despite his potential, Swain never seemed to hit his stride in Knoxville. His playing time was limited, and when he did get the chance to shine, he struggled to make the impact many had envisioned for him.

After two years, Swain transferred to another school, and his journey in the college football world was left somewhat incomplete. His inability to break out at Tennessee — despite being highly ranked — left many questioning whether the Vols had failed to develop his talent properly or whether it was simply a mismatch between player and program.

3. Darnell Wright (2020)

Darnell Wright, an offensive tackle from West Virginia, came to Tennessee with sky-high expectations as a five-star recruit in 2020. Wright was heralded as a potential future first-round NFL draft pick, and his size and skillset made him a coveted commodity. As a freshman, he played early and often, starting several games. However, it took some time for Wright to develop into the player that Tennessee fans expected.

Under the guidance of offensive line coach Glenn Elarbee, Wright began to improve and eventually showed why he was so highly regarded. As a senior, he became one of the most dominant offensive linemen in the SEC, earning All-SEC honors and ultimately being drafted into the NFL.

Wright’s development provides a more positive example of how a five-star recruit can ultimately reach his potential, but it also serves as a reminder that player development and coaching are critical factors in transforming raw talent into star-level production.

Are Five-Star Recruits the Answer to Tennessee’s Woes?

The struggles of five-star recruits like Thompson, Swain, and others raise a fundamental question: Are these highly-ranked athletes enough to elevate Tennessee’s program, or do other factors come into play?

Recruiting success does not guarantee on-field success. As seen with Thompson and Swain, injuries, development, coaching changes, and the general dynamics of college football can derail even the most promising careers. Furthermore, a five-star recruit entering a system with questions about coaching stability or fit can find it difficult to reach his full potential.

Josh Heupel’s arrival has brought renewed optimism to the program, and his offensive-minded system seems to fit better with Tennessee’s talent, both on the recruiting trail and on the field. Heupel’s ability to unlock the potential of various recruits, including five-stars, is likely the key to the program’s future success.

However, it’s also important to note that Tennessee’s struggles over the past two decades have been partly due to a combination of factors unrelated to recruiting — including poor coaching decisions, inconsistent quarterback play, and an inability to maintain momentum in an increasingly competitive SEC. As much as five-star recruits are essential, it’s the sum of all parts that determines whether a program can rise to prominence.

Looking Ahead: The 2025 Recruiting Class

Tennessee’s most recent recruiting success includes the 2024 class, which was highly rated, and the upcoming 2025 class, which looks to be another strong group. The team’s ability to develop these players will be crucial in determining whether the Vols can return to the upper echelon of college football.

If Tennessee can continue to develop its five-star recruits into elite college players and combine that with Heupel’s high-octane offense, there’s a strong chance the Vols will be contenders once again. But as history has shown, simply having five-star recruits isn’t enough — the development of those players, the cohesion of the coaching staff, and the overall system will determine whether Tennessee football can break through in the competitive SEC.