Why David Sanders Jr. Chose Tennessee Over Ohio State
David Sanders Jr., a highly sought-after five-star offensive lineman in the Class of 2025, recently made waves with his decision to sign with the Tennessee Volunteers on National Signing Day. After narrowing down his choices to Ohio State and Tennessee, Sanders’ decision was sealed following a late-season visit to Ohio State, where he attended a top-ten clash with the Indiana Hoosiers. Ultimately, his heart was set on Tennessee, a choice he committed to back in August but revisited after a November trip to Columbus.
As one of the most prominent recruits in his class, Sanders’ talent has been celebrated nationwide. When asked why he gave Ohio State another look despite his earlier commitment, Sanders explained his reasoning to Knoxville News Sentinel. “I felt it was only right to give them one more shot just to make sure I had made my decision and this was firm on where I wanted to be,” he said. His thoughtful approach underlined his respect for Ohio State’s program, even though he ultimately chose to take his talents elsewhere.
For Ohio State, Sanders’ decision comes as a missed opportunity. While the Buckeyes have an impressive roster lined up for next season, featuring top-five recruits like Devin Sanchez and Tavien St. Clair, adding Sanders to the mix would have elevated their offensive capabilities even further. His skills would have complemented the team’s aspirations for a dominant College Football Playoff (CFP) campaign in the coming years.
The decision may also carry implications