Tennessee Vols showing heavy interest in elite 2025 defensive back

The Tennessee Vols are one of several programs showing heavy interest in 2025 four-star defensive back Trey McNutt. 

McNutt, 6-foot/180 lbs from Cleveland, OH, is rated in 247Sports' composite rankings as the No. 2 safety in the nation and the No. 1 player in the state of Ohio. He's also rated as the No. 33 overall player in the 2025 recruiting class (which means he's on the cusp of being a five-star player). 

The coveted defensive back told On3 this week that Tennessee is recruiting him "hard". 

“The Vols are recruiting me hard right now,” said McNutt. “They’re recruiting me nice. The whole staff. I have three or four coaches that might text me in a day. It’s nice knowing I’m a priority for these schools. It’s something you have to take in and appreciate.”

Georgia, Michigan, Ohio State, and Texas A&M are also strongly pursuing the Ohio native. 

McNutt took an unofficial visit to Tennessee this past season for the Vols' blowout win against the South Carolina Gamecocks. 

The battle for McNutt should intensify this spring/summer as the talented safety prepares for his final year of high school. 

Tennessee currently has five players committed to its 2025 recruiting class, including three three-star cornerbacks.