JUST IN: Tennessee Vols head coach lands a 5-star QB Jake Retzlaff over BYU, Oklahoma and Texas due to…

Tennessee Vols Land 5-Star QB Jake Retzlaff Over BYU, Oklahoma, and Texas in Massive Recruiting Coup

In one of the most significant quarterback recruiting victories of the 2025 cycle, Tennessee Volunteers head coach Josh Heupel has pulled off a game-changing commitment with the addition of 5-star quarterback Jake Retzlaff, who chose the Vols over blue-blood programs BYU, Oklahoma, and Texas. The California native made his announcement on Wednesday afternoon, sending shockwaves through the college football landscape.

Retzlaff, rated as the No. 2 overall quarterback in the nation and a top-10 player regardless of position, cited Tennessee’s offensive system, coaching staff, and recent rise in national relevance as major reasons for his commitment.

> “Coach Heupel’s belief in me and the opportunity to lead a fast, explosive offense in front of one of the best fanbases in college football — that’s what sealed the deal,” Retzlaff said during his commitment announcement. “Rocky Top felt like home.”

A West Coast Star Heads South

Jake Retzlaff hails from Corona, California, and played his high school football at Centennial High, where he racked up over 4,100 passing yards and 45 touchdowns in his junior season. A dual-threat athlete with excellent field vision and elite arm strength, Retzlaff was heavily recruited by schools across the country.

His final four included BYU, where his older brother played, as well as Oklahoma, which has long been known for producing elite quarterbacks, and Texas, a program on the rise under Steve Sarkisian. But in the end, Tennessee won the race — a testament to Heupel’s quarterback development and offensive identity.

Why Tennessee?

Tennessee’s resurgence under Heupel has been impossible to ignore. The Vols have become a national contender, especially after their 2024 season that saw them win 10 games and play in a New Year’s Six bowl. The high-powered offense ranked top five in the nation in scoring, which was a big selling point for Retzlaff.

Sources close to the recruitment say that Retzlaff was impressed with the Vols’ ability to tailor the offense to a quarterback’s strengths — and he believes that his skills as a playmaker will thrive in Knoxville.

> “They develop quarterbacks. They win big games. And they play fearless football. That’s the kind of team I want to lead,” Retzlaff added.

A Recruiting Win With Major Implications

The commitment of Jake Retzlaff is not only a major individual addition — it also sends a message across the SEC and the national recruiting landscape. Tennessee beat out two major Big 12 powers and a strong west-coast connection in BYU to secure a quarterback who could be the face of the program for years to come.

For Tennessee, it’s the second straight year they’ve landed a 5-star quarterback, and Retzlaff’s presence is expected to have a domino effect on other offensive skill players. Already, 4-star wide receivers and running backs have expressed increased interest in the program following the announcement.

What’s Next?

Jake Retzlaff plans to enroll early in January to participate in spring practice with the Vols. That gives him a head start on learning the playbook and adjusting to the speed of SEC football. Depending on how the quarterback room shakes out next season, there’s a strong chance he could compete for the starting job as a true freshman.

With Retzlaff in the fold, Tennessee’s 2025 recruiting class moves into the top five nationally, firmly placing the program back among the elites in college football.

Final Thoughts:
Jake Retzlaff’s commitment to Tennessee is more than just a big name on paper — it’s a cultural shift. Coach Heupel has built a quarterback-friendly system and now has one of the most talented passers in the country ready to take it to the next level. For Vols fans, the future just got a whole lot brighter.