Tennessee Vols reportedly still in the mix for key in-state 2025 recruit

Despite conflicting reports, the Tennessee Vols appear to still be in the mix for a key 2025 in-state recruit.

Recent reports/rumblings indicated that 2025 four-star defensive back CJ Jimcoily, 6-foot-3/205 lbs from Nashville, TN (Lipscomb Academy), had narrowed his choices to Stanford and LSU.

But according to Rivals.com national recruiting director Adam Gorney , Tennessee, along with Alabama, is still very much in the mix to land Jimcoily.

(Alabama, LSU, Stanford, and Tennessee are the four programs that Jimcoily originally included in his final four in late May .)

From Rivals.com : The word that LSU and Stanford have emerged as Jimcoily’s final two is a little premature as the four-star safety from Nashville (Tenn.) Lipscomb Academy is still seriously considering Alabama and Tennessee.

Jimcoily is looking at a commitment in early August and the Tigers could have a slight edge in his recruitment but it’s not a two-team race, all four remain in the mix.

Jimcoily is rated in 247Sports' composite rankings as the No. 34 safety in the nation and the No. 11 player in the state of Tennessee.

The four-star recruit told Rivals.com earlier this spring that Tennessee's coaching staff is making it hard to leave the state.

"They're making it very hard to leave," said Jimcoily to Rivals.com of his interest in the Vols. "I like their coaching style and they're very personable, which catches my eye. I have a lot of teammates there and it's the home state, so they're showing great interest."

That sounds like a good sign for the Vols' chances in this recruiting battle. Jimcoily, however, grew up rooting for LSU due to family connections in Louisiana -- which could make it difficult for Tennessee to keep the young safety in the state.

The Vols likely only have a few weeks to convince Jimcoily that Rocky Top should be home for the next few years as the talented recruit is expected to announce his commitment in August.

Related: The Tennessee Vols have the chance to send a huge message to the rest of college football before the end of the summer