With the pledge of four-star linebacker Christian Gass, Tennessee football has another elite talent for its 2025 class. According to On3 Recruiting, he is the No. 6 linebacker and No. 85 player in the 2025 recruiting class.

The native of Covington, Georgia, selected Tennessee over a few SEC opponents. Gass chose the Vols over Florida, USC, Georgia, and Kentucky. Gass stated in his choice that the Vols coaching staff has been sincere with him from the start.

“Since the beginning, Tennessee has been sincere with me,” Gass said on On3. “Who was sincere and who showed me affection was vital when I whittled things down. That’s what Tennessee always does. I was given priority by Tennessee’s coaches, including coach Ek (Mike Ekeler), coach William Inge, and other coaches. They let me know that I meant something to them, and that didn’t alter.

“It was also important how people came to know me. Tennessee showed me a lot of things by recruiting me both as a linebacker and as a person. The coaches there make me feel at ease. They got to know me and they are decent individuals with positive spirit.”

Josh Heupel and the coaching staff are known for being coaches who put the needs of their players first, and Gass demonstrates this, at least in his hiring process.

According to On3’s recruiting rankings, the Vols now have the No. 5 class in the SEC and the No. 10 class in the nation thanks to Gass’ pledge. More elite athletes are thinking about joining the Vols, so the team may have more positive news in the coming weeks.

In the last four weeks, Gass has committed to Tennessee along with four-star wide receiver Travis Smith, four-star defensive lineman Charles House, four-star edge rusher Marion Dye, four-star offensive lineman Douglas Utu, and three-star corner Tre Poteat.

The Vols are in the race for four-star safety Lagonza Hayward, four-star offensive lineman Juan Gaston, five-star offensive linemen Josh Petty and David Sanders Jr., and all are anticipated to commit soon.