The Tennessee Volunteers are making waves yet again in the recruiting world, and this time, they’ve reeled in a game-changing pass rusher from the Northeast. Meet CJ Edwards, a towering 6-foot-5, 215-pound edge rusher out of Saint Joseph (Metuchen, NJ), who has officially committed to Josh Heupel’s Vols for the class of 2026.
This isn’t just another commitment—it’s a statement.
Why Edwards Chose Tennessee Over Big-Time Programs
Edwards had no shortage of suitors, with Boston College, Michigan, and Pittsburgh all heavily pursuing the talented defender. But when it came down to choosing his future home, Tennessee’s relentless commitment and rising culture won him over.
“Their level of commitment in recruiting, the coaching staff, and the winning culture they’ve built really stood out to me,” Edwards shared. “Coach Heupel has built something special, and I want to be a part of it. I’m excited to be a Vol.”
Edwards also held offers from North Carolina, NC State, Syracuse, and West Virginia, proving he was one of the most sought-after defensive prospects in his region. But his connection with Tennessee’s staff and the vision they laid out for his future sealed the deal.
And the timing couldn’t be better—Edwards is scheduled to take his official visit to Knoxville on June 21, where he’ll get a closer look at the program he now calls home.
“I’ve been narrowing down my options for a while, and Tennessee just felt right. It’s a place where I can see myself growing and competing at the highest level,” Edwards said.
Tennessee’s Recruiting Momentum: A Second Straight Top-10 Class in the Making?
With Edwards now in the fold, Tennessee’s 2026 recruiting class sits firmly among the nation’s elite. The Vols are already stacking up blue-chip talent, proving that Heupel isn’t just winning games—he’s building a powerhouse.
Edwards becomes commit No. 8 for the Vols in this cycle, joining a loaded defensive haul that already includes standout prospects like defensive lineman Tyson Bacon and linebacker Braylon Outlaw.
And the Vols are far from done.
The program has its eyes locked on several five-star and high four-star recruits, including:
- Tristen Keys – The No. 1 wide receiver in the 2026 class
- Savion Hiter – The nation’s top-ranked running back
- Rodney Dunham Jr. – The No. 7 overall prospect and a dominant edge rusher
With Tennessee already near the top of the leaderboard for each of these recruits, another top-10 recruiting class feels well within reach.
What CJ Edwards Brings to Tennessee’s Defense
Edwards isn’t just another name on the commit list—he’s a high-upside pass rusher with the kind of frame, speed, and motor that Tennessee’s defense thrives on.
Ranked as the No. 78 edge rusher in the country per On3, Edwards is a disruptive force who has already shown flashes of elite pass-rushing ability. With proper development under Tennessee’s defensive coaching staff, he has the potential to become a difference-maker in the SEC trenches.
For the Vols, this is a big-time addition to a defense that’s looking to keep pace in the ever-competitive Southeastern Conference.
Final Take: Heupel’s Vision is Taking Shape
Josh Heupel has already proven he can compete with the giants of college football—but now, he’s showing that Tennessee can win head-to-head battles on the recruiting trail, too.
With a second-straight top-10 class within reach and commitments like CJ Edwards rolling in, it’s clear:
Rocky Top is rising.
