In a move that has sent shockwaves through the college football landscape, 5-star wide receiver Malik Anderson has officially decommitted from Ohio State — and in a twist few saw coming, he’s pledged his future to the Tennessee Volunteers. The electric pass-catcher made his announcement via a video posted to social media, stunning fans and recruiters alike, and bypassing powerhouse suitors Alabama and Georgia in favor of a resurgent Tennessee program.
Anderson, ranked among the top three wide receivers in the nation and a top-10 overall prospect, had been considered a cornerstone of Ohio State’s elite 2025 recruiting class. His commitment to the Buckeyes last fall was seen as a major recruiting win for Ryan Day and a continuation of the school’s wide receiver dynasty. But all that changed with a single post that turned Columbus into a cauldron of disbelief — and Knoxville into a thunderstorm of celebration.
“I had to follow my heart,” Anderson said in his statement. “Tennessee made me feel like family. The energy, the vision, the fanbase — it just felt different. This is where I want to build my legacy.”
Sources close to the situation suggest that Anderson’s visit to Knoxville earlier this month was nothing short of transformative. With head coach Josh Heupel’s offense putting up fireworks and Tennessee making serious national noise in recent seasons, Anderson saw a path not just to development — but to stardom.
What’s even more surprising is who Tennessee beat out. Alabama, with its championship pedigree, and Georgia, the back-to-back title contenders, were both thought to be neck-and-neck with Ohio State. Tennessee was barely mentioned in the top three as recently as May. But the Volunteers clearly had a plan — and executed it flawlessly.
Recruiting analysts are already calling this one of the most dramatic flips of the year, and potentially a program-defining moment for Tennessee. For Ohio State, it’s a gut punch. The Buckeyes, long considered “WRU,” now must regroup quickly as signing day approaches.
Anderson’s decision not only shakes up the 2025 recruiting rankings but also reaffirms that in today’s college football landscape, no commitment is truly safe — and no program should be overlooked. Tennessee just reminded the nation that Rocky Top is no longer just a catchy song. It’s a serious destination for elite talent — and the Volunteers may be just getting started.
