Tennessee beats out Texas, Alabama others for 4-star LB out of Georgia
By Andrew Olson
Published:
For Tennessee, it’s two-for-Tuesday on the recruiting trail.
Hours after landing a verbal commitment from in-state cornerback Javonte Smith, the Volunteers doubled up with another verbal pledge on the defensive side of the ball. Blue-chip linebacker Brayden Rouse is the newest member of Tennessee’s 2026 recruiting class.
Rouse, out of Marietta (Georgia) Kell High School, reportedly measures over 6-2 and 220 pounds. He is rated 4-stars, the No. 5 linebacker, No. 9 player in the Peach State and No. 86 prospect overall for the Class of 2026 on the 247Sports Composite.
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As one of the top prospects in the state of Georgia, Rouse was on nearly every program’s radar. He collected 46 scholarship offers, including nearly every SEC team.
For Tuesday’s big decision, Rouse narrowed things down to Tennessee, Michigan, Alabama and Texas, announcing for the Vols.
WATCH: 2026 coveted Peach State LB Brayden Rouse makes his college decision. https://t.co/KjLQ3P4ePQ
— Tennessee Volunteers on SI (@VolsOnSI) July 8, 2025
Rouse’s commitment puts Tennessee at 19 verbal pledges for its 2026 recruiting class, which ranks No. 14 nationally on the Composite. Vols fans can see what Rouse brings to Rocky Top by checking out his highlights in the Hudl reel below.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
