Tennessee Flips Running Back From Big Ten Powerhouse”I Believe Tennessee Volunteers is the greatest For me”….
Tennessee Flips Running Back From Big Ten Powerhouse: ‘I Believe Tennessee Volunteers is the Greatest for Me’
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Volunteers made one of the biggest splashes of the spring recruiting cycle on Wednesday with the stunning commitment flip of four-star running back Elijah “EJ” Whitmore, who had been verbally pledged to a Big Ten powerhouse since last summer. The 6-foot, 205-pound back out of Canton, Ohio, officially announced his decision on social media, sending shockwaves through recruiting circles and further solidifying Tennessee’s standing as a rising force on the national stage.
Whitmore, ranked as the No. 8 running back in the nation and a top-100 prospect overall in the 2025 class, had been committed to Penn State for nearly 10 months. But a recent visit to Knoxville over the weekend — his third trip to Rocky Top in the last six months — sealed the deal.
“I’ve prayed on it, talked to my family, and really thought about what kind of player and person I want to be,” Whitmore wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “After that visit, I knew in my heart that Tennessee is where I belong. I believe Tennessee Volunteers is the greatest for me.”
Recruiting Rollercoaster
Whitmore’s recruitment was a back-and-forth saga for months. Though he gave an early verbal to Penn State in July 2024, sources close to his camp say he always had one eye on the SEC. His physical, downhill running style — paired with elite top-end speed and vision — made him a coveted target for several southern powerhouses, including Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee.
But it was running backs coach Jerry Mack and head coach Josh Heupel who built a consistent, authentic relationship with Whitmore and his family. That connection, along with Tennessee’s explosive offensive scheme, ultimately proved to be the difference.
“Elijah is a game-changer, and we’re thrilled to welcome him to Rocky Top,” Heupel said in a statement released by the athletic department. “He’s not only a dynamic player but a high-character young man who fits perfectly into our program’s culture and goals.”
What It Means for Tennessee
The addition of Whitmore is a monumental win for the Vols on multiple fronts. First, it gives Tennessee a legitimate top-tier back in the 2025 class to pair with dual-threat quarterback commit Carter Boyd — forming one of the most dangerous backfields in the country. Secondly, it sends a clear message that the Volunteers are not only competitive in the SEC but capable of out-recruiting traditional northern powers like Penn State and Michigan.
This marks Tennessee’s third flip from a Big Ten program in the last two years, and their second blue-chip offensive commitment in as many months. With momentum building on the trail, Tennessee is now firmly in the mix for a top-5 recruiting class nationally.
“This staff is doing something special,” said 247Sports recruiting analyst Steve Wiltfong. “They’ve gone into other regions and won battles they would’ve lost five years ago. Getting a kid like Whitmore out of Ohio — a stone’s throw from the Big Ten’s heartland — is massive.”
Whitmore’s Fit in Knoxville
Whitmore brings a unique combination of power and speed that could make him a true three-down back in the SEC. At Glen Oak High School, he rushed for 1,654 yards and 19 touchdowns in his junior year while also catching 22 passes for 315 yards. His versatility and work ethic have earned him comparisons to former Georgia and current NFL back D’Andre Swift.
“I just love how Tennessee runs their offense,” Whitmore told Rivals. “It’s fast-paced, explosive, and they know how to get the ball to their playmakers. I see myself thriving there.”
With Jabari Small set to graduate and Dylan Sampson possibly heading to the NFL after the upcoming season, Whitmore’s early enrollment in January 2025 could put him in line for early playing time. Insiders believe he has the tools to compete from Day 1.
Reaction Across the Country
Penn State fans and analysts reacted with disappointment but acknowledged that Tennessee had steadily emerged as a serious threat in Whitmore’s recruitment over the last few months. Some insiders had even flipped their predictions in favor of the Vols following Whitmore’s last unofficial visit in April.
Meanwhile, Tennessee fans erupted with excitement on social media. “Flip season is officially here,” one fan posted on a Vols message board. “Heupel doesn’t miss.”
Others pointed to this commitment as a sign that Tennessee’s program is finally stepping into elite territory again after years of rebuilding.
More to Come?
With Whitmore now in the fold, Tennessee’s recruiting efforts are showing no signs of slowing down. The Vols remain in pursuit of several high-profile targets, including five-star wideout Brandon Bennett and top-50 offensive tackle Tyson Malone. If the staff can capitalize on the buzz generated by Whitmore’s flip, they could finish with one of the best classes in program history.
In the end, it all came down to trust, fit, and belief.
“Tennessee just felt like home,” Whitmore said in an interview after his announcement. “It wasn’t about NIL or hype. It was about people, culture, and a vision. I believe the Tennessee Volunteers is the greatest for me — and I’m ready to work.”
