2025 recruit makes strong statement after committing to Tennessee Vols

The Tennessee Vols kept the good recruiting vibes going on Tuesday by landing a commitment from 2025 three-star defensive lineman Darrion Smith.

Smith, 6-foot-2/265 lbs from Baltimore, MD, is rated in 247Sports' composite rankings as the No. 69 defensive lineman in the nation and the No. 18 player in the state of Maryland. He committed to Tennessee over Ohio State.

Smith told On3 that he decided to commit to Tennessee after visiting Knoxville this past weekend, noting that the decision was "close" between the Vols and the Buckeyes.

The talented defensive lineman also pointed out that he thinks Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel is going to bring a national championship back to Knoxville in the next few years.

“ In the next few years, he is going to bring a national championship to Knoxville ," said Smith . "The program is getting better and better.”

It seems clear that recruits believe in Heupel's goal of winning a national championship. And the more players the Vols can land with that mentality, the more likely it is that Heupel's vision of bringing a natty back to Rocky Top will become a reality.

Tennessee's had momentum before, but it feels different this time under Heupel. It feels like this coaching staff actually has the capability to break through and reach the summit of college football.

Related: Tennessee OC Joey Halzle makes honest admission about Vols' 2023 offense that should make fans feel better about 2024