Five-Star Running Back Trey Cooley Commits to Tennessee Vols After Decommitting from Purdue, Shunning Offers from SEC Powerhouses Alabama, Auburn, and Florida Gators: A Testament to the Vols’ Growing Reputation in College Football Recruitment

In a dramatic and thrilling twist in college football recruiting, five-star running back Trey Cooley has announced his commitment to the Tennessee Volunteers, choosing the SEC powerhouse over a slew of prestigious offers from other major programs, including Alabama, Auburn, and Florida. Cooley, widely regarded as one of the top running backs in the nation, had originally committed to Purdue but decommitted in recent months, leaving fans and analysts speculating about his next move.

The news of his decision to play for the Vols is a major coup for head coach Josh Heupel and his staff, who have quickly turned Tennessee’s football program into a serious contender on the recruiting trail. Cooley’s commitment is not just a personal victory for him, but a testament to the rapidly growing reputation of Tennessee as a recruiting juggernaut in college football. The Vols have been making strides in recent years under Heupel’s leadership, and securing a player of Cooley’s caliber is further proof of the program’s resurgence.

Trey Cooley’s Recruiting Journey

Trey Cooley’s recruitment has been one of the most high-profile stories of the 2025 recruiting cycle. A native of Louisville, Kentucky, Cooley’s journey to prominence began in his high school years at a local powerhouse program. Standing at 6 feet tall and weighing in at around 215 pounds, Cooley possesses a rare combination of size, speed, and agility that makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses. He’s been compared to some of the best running backs to ever play the game due to his ability to make defenders miss in the open field, his breakaway speed, and his strength to break through tackles.

As a junior, Cooley was named the Kentucky High School Player of the Year, a nod to his dominance on the field. His combination of power and finesse has made him an elite talent, and by the time he was a senior, he was already being regarded as one of the top running back prospects in the country.

Cooley’s recruitment started early, with some of the nation’s top programs showing interest in him from the outset. As a five-star recruit, it wasn’t long before he received offers from some of the most prestigious programs in college football. Among the schools that extended offers were Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, Florida, Ohio State, and Tennessee, to name just a few.

However, it was Purdue that initially emerged as the favorite, and Cooley surprised many by committing to the Boilermakers in the summer before his senior season. Purdue, which had made great strides in recent years under head coach Ryan Walters, seemed like a natural fit for Cooley, who would have had the opportunity to step in as the feature back early in his career.

But in a twist that surprised many, Cooley decommitted from Purdue just a few months later. His decision to back out of his commitment was seen as a signal that he was keeping his options open. With offers continuing to flood in from powerhouse programs across the country, the intrigue surrounding Cooley’s recruitment reached a fever pitch.

The Battle for Cooley’s Commitment

After decommitting from Purdue, Cooley was once again at the center of the recruiting spotlight. The floodgates opened, and it became clear that he would have his pick of elite programs. Among the schools that were in hot pursuit were some of the most storied programs in college football, including SEC powerhouses like Alabama, Auburn, and Florida. Each of these programs saw Cooley as a potential game-changer in their backfields.

Alabama – The Crimson Tide, led by head coach Nick Saban, has long been a dominant force in college football recruiting, and they were all-in on Cooley. Alabama has produced some of the best running backs in recent memory, from Derrick Henry to Najee Harris, and they were hoping to add Cooley to that lineage. With Alabama’s storied tradition of success, a commitment from Cooley would have solidified their dominance in the SEC for years to come.

Auburn – Under head coach Hugh Freeze, Auburn has been making noise on the recruiting trail, and they were eager to land Cooley. The Tigers’ backfield has long been a focal point of their offense, and Cooley would have been a perfect fit in their scheme. With a promising young quarterback and an experienced offensive line, Auburn was hoping Cooley would help lead them back to the top of the SEC West.

Florida – Florida’s new head coach, Billy Napier, has been building something special in Gainesville, and Cooley was at the top of their wish list. The Gators have had their fair share of success with running backs in recent years, and with an offense that leans on a strong running game, Cooley would have been a key piece of their future plans.

Despite these tempting offers from some of the most prestigious programs in college football, Trey Cooley shocked many by choosing Tennessee as his destination. While the Vols have traditionally been a powerhouse program, they have not always been at the top of the recruiting rankings in recent years. However, under head coach Josh Heupel, Tennessee has quickly gained momentum, and Cooley’s decision is a clear indication that the Vols are once again a major player in college football’s recruiting landscape.

Tennessee’s Growing Reputation Under Josh Heupel

The commitment of Trey Cooley is just the latest example of Tennessee’s rise on the recruiting trail under head coach Josh Heupel. When Heupel was hired as Tennessee’s head coach in 2021, the program was in the midst of a rebuilding process. The Vols had struggled in recent years, with multiple coaching changes and NCAA sanctions hanging over the program. However, Heupel wasted no time in establishing himself as a dynamic recruiter and developer of talent.

One of the first things Heupel did upon arriving in Knoxville was to revitalize the offense. Known for his fast-paced, high-scoring offensive system, Heupel immediately began attracting top-tier talent on the offensive side of the ball. His ability to develop quarterbacks and running backs, combined with his offensive philosophy, made Tennessee an appealing destination for recruits looking to showcase their skills in a high-powered offense.

Tennessee’s recruiting efforts paid off quickly, and in 2022, the Vols landed one of the top classes in the SEC. Heupel’s staff focused on building a strong foundation with an emphasis on offensive skill players, and that strategy has begun to pay dividends. The arrival of Cooley adds another blue-chip player to Tennessee’s already impressive stable of talent.

Cooley’s commitment is a clear indication that Tennessee’s football program is back among the elite in college football. The Vols’ combination of a high-octane offense, a respected coaching staff, and a passionate fan base has made them an attractive destination for top-tier recruits. The addition of Cooley, one of the most sought-after running backs in the country, further solidifies Tennessee’s status as a rising powerhouse in the SEC.

What Trey Cooley Brings to Tennessee

Trey Cooley is a once-in-a-generation talent at the running back position, and his addition to Tennessee’s roster is a game-changer for the Vols. Cooley’s skill set is versatile, allowing him to excel in multiple facets of the game. He’s a powerful, downhill runner who can break tackles and gain yards after contact. His vision and patience as a runner are exceptional, allowing him to read the defense and find the best lane to explode through.

In addition to his power running, Cooley is a dynamic pass-catcher out of the backfield. His ability to line up as a receiving threat makes him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. Whether it’s on screen passes, wheel routes, or in the open field, Cooley’s ability to contribute as both a rusher and receiver will make him an essential part of Tennessee’s offense.

With Heupel’s system relying on an up-tempo, fast-paced offense, Cooley’s explosiveness and ability to take advantage of defensive mismatches will fit seamlessly into the Vols’ scheme. His combination of size, speed, and football IQ will make him a centerpiece of Tennessee’s offense for years to come.

The Future of Tennessee Football

Trey Cooley’s commitment is a major milestone in Tennessee’s resurgence as a national contender in college football. The Vols’ rise has been swift, and with young talent like Cooley joining the fold, the program is well-positioned for long-term success. Heupel’s ability to attract top-tier talent, combined with his offensive system, has created a perfect storm for Tennessee to once again become a powerhouse in the SEC.

Looking ahead, Tennessee’s future appears brighter than ever. Cooley is just one piece of the puzzle, but he represents the type of talent the Vols will continue to pursue in the coming years. With a strong recruiting class and an offense that is only getting better, Tennessee is well on its way to becoming a perennial contender in the SEC and on the national stage.

The commitment of Trey Cooley to Tennessee is not just a win for the Vols—it’s a win for college football as a whole. It demonstrates the shifting landscape of the SEC, where programs like Tennessee are emerging as serious threats to the long-standing powers of Alabama and Georgia. For fans of the Vols, Cooley’s decision is a sign of things to come, and the future of Tennessee football has never looked brighter.