BREAKING: Class of 2026 6’5″, 218-pound EDGE C.J. from Metuchen flips commitment to Tennessee, choosing the Vols over Michigan, Boston College, and Duke; he also shares why Tennessee was his final choice
In a significant shift in recruiting, C.J., a highly coveted EDGE rusher from Metuchen, New Jersey, has made the decision to flip his commitment to the University of Tennessee for the Class of 2026. The 6’5″, 218-pound athlete had initially committed to another program, but his change of heart sees him joining the Tennessee Volunteers, a move that will have significant implications for the Vols’ defensive line.
C.J. had been on the radar of many top-tier programs, including Michigan, Boston College, and Duke. His blend of size, athleticism, and pass-rushing prowess has earned him widespread recognition as one of the top recruits in his class. Throughout his recruitment, he was consistently praised for his ability to disrupt quarterbacks and his strong ability to play both the run and pass. His decision to flip to Tennessee comes as a major win for head coach Josh Heupel and his staff, who have worked tirelessly to position the Vols among the nation’s top programs.
The EDGE position is one of the most important on the field, and Tennessee has been aggressively targeting top defensive recruits like C.J. to boost their defensive unit. The Vols have seen recent success under Heupel’s leadership, and the addition of a player like C.J. can help elevate the defense to the next level. Tennessee’s defense has been improving year over year, and this commitment helps solidify their trajectory as they aim for both SEC and national prominence.
C.J.’s decision to commit to Tennessee is particularly noteworthy given the competition from other powerhouse programs. Michigan, with its strong defensive tradition and history of developing top-tier edge rushers, appeared to be a strong contender for C.J.’s services. Boston College, with its emphasis on building a solid defensive core, also made a strong push for C.J.’s commitment. Duke, while not as historically strong in recruiting as some of the other schools, offered a compelling academic package and the opportunity to play in the ACC. Yet, despite these strong options, C.J. ultimately chose the Vols.
So why Tennessee? According to C.J., the decision came down to a variety of factors. One of the primary reasons was the program’s commitment to player development and their ability to create a pipeline to the NFL. C.J. mentioned in a statement that Tennessee’s focus on helping players reach their full potential both on and off the field was a key factor in his decision-making process. The coaching staff’s vision for his role in their defensive scheme also resonated with him, as the Vols emphasized his fit as an EDGE rusher in their aggressive defensive system.
Additionally, C.J. spoke highly of the connection he developed with Tennessee’s coaching staff, particularly defensive coordinator Tim Banks, who was instrumental in recruiting him. He also noted that the atmosphere surrounding the program, both on campus and in the locker room, made him feel at home. The Vols’ commitment to winning and their upward trajectory in recent seasons played a role in sealing the deal for C.J.
This commitment solidifies Tennessee’s growing reputation as a program on the rise, capable of attracting some of the top recruits in the nation. For C.J., it’s the beginning of what could be a standout career with the Vols, and fans are eager to see how he will develop in Knoxville.
In a recruiting landscape dominated by national programs, the decision by C.J. to join Tennessee over Michigan, Boston College, and Duke marks a major win for the Volunteers, with much anticipation building around his future contributions to the
team’s defense.