Why Ethan Utley Chose the Tennessee Volunteers

2025 four-star defensive lineman Ethan Utley (Nashville, Tenn.) committed to the Tennessee Volunteers over Michigan, Oklahoma, Texas, and Syracuse. Why?

Ensworth s Ethan Utley runs during the game at Lipscomb Academy High School Football Stadium in / Nicole Hester / The Tennessean / USA

2025 four-star defensive lineman Ethan Utley (Nashville, Tenn.) committed to the Tennessee Volunteers over Michigan, Oklahoma, Texas, and Syracuse. Why?

Ensworth High School defensive lineman Ethan Utley chose the Tennessee Volunteers over four other major programs on Thursday evening. Utley had long considered Tennessee his top choice, but the Nashville native didn't want to enroll immediately at the University of Tennessee without going through the recruiting process.

Utley strongly considered the Michigan Wolverines and the Texas Longhorns at different parts of the process. However, both programs had major departures this offseason, forcing Utley to reconsider. Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh left the university to accept an opening with the Los Angeles Chargers. Meanwhile, Texas defensive line coach Bo Davis accepted the same role with the LSU Tigers. "That's when I thought, 'Tennessee is probably going to pull away,'" Utley told The Tennessean's Tom Kreager. "After a few conversations [with Tennessee], I was like, 'Tennessee is the place.'"

Utley will still go through the recruiting process, as he has an official visit scheduled with the Texas Longhorns and could opt to add more to his schedule. However, the Vols have been consistent from day one with him, and the familiarity with an ascending program will make them tough to beat for Utley.

Tennessee's 2025 Recruiting Class

• George MacIntyre, QB
• Justin Baker, RB
• Joakim Dodson, WR
• Jack VanDorselaer, TE
• Ethan Utley, DL
• Dylan Lewis, CB
• Tyler Redmond, CB

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