The recruiting trail is heating up for Tennessee cornerback commit Onis Konabanny, and his recent visit to Florida has added a layer of intrigue to his recruitment. Konabanny, a highly touted defensive back in the 2025 class, committed to the Tennessee Volunteers earlier this year, but a weekend trip to Gainesville suggests that his decision may not be entirely locked in.
Florida, under head coach Billy Napier, is making a strong push to flip Konabanny, and the Gators’ efforts are starting to gain traction. The visit has left many wondering if Tennessee will face a serious challenge in keeping the talented cornerback in their class.
Onis Konabanny is a four-star cornerback prospect out of Mobile, Alabama, ranked among the top 20 corners in the 2025 class. Standing 6’1” and weighing 180 pounds, Konabanny has the size, speed, and physicality that college programs covet in a modern defensive back.
Known for his ball-hawking skills and ability to lock down receivers in man coverage, Konabanny has drawn comparisons to some of the best corners in the SEC. His performance on the field has earned him offers from numerous Power Five programs, including Tennessee, Florida, Alabama, and LSU.
Konabanny committed to Tennessee in the spring, citing the program’s defensive scheme and the relationships he built with the coaching staff as key factors. He has spoken highly of Tennessee defensive backs coach Willie Martinez and the vision head coach Josh Heupel has for the Volunteers’ future.
However, as is often the case in recruiting, verbal commitments are far from final, especially for a player of Konabanny’s caliber. The allure of other programs, coupled with the relentless efforts of rival coaching staffs, can make for a tumultuous recruitment process.
Konabanny’s weekend visit to Florida has sparked speculation that the Gators could pose a legitimate threat to Tennessee’s grip on his commitment. The visit reportedly went well, with Konabanny receiving a full-court press from Florida’s coaching staff, led by secondary coach Corey Raymond.
Raymond, widely regarded as one of the top defensive backs coaches in the country, has a strong track record of developing NFL-caliber corners. His reputation, combined with Florida’s need for defensive backfield reinforcements, makes the Gators an appealing option for Konabanny.
While in Gainesville, Konabanny attended Florida’s game and got a firsthand look at the atmosphere in The Swamp. Sources close to the situation indicate that he was impressed by the environment and the vision Napier has for the program’s future.
For Tennessee, Konabanny’s visit to Florida is a reminder that no commitment is secure until signing day. The Volunteers have invested heavily in building a relationship with the talented cornerback, but they’ll need to continue making him a priority to fend off Florida’s late push.
Josh Heupel and his staff are no strangers to recruiting battles, especially within the SEC. Tennessee has successfully held onto key recruits in the past despite strong competition from rival programs, and they’ll hope to do the same with Konabanny.
With the early signing period still months away, the recruitment of Onis Konabanny is far from over. Florida’s emergence as a contender adds an intriguing subplot to an already compelling recruitment, and both programs will likely intensify their efforts in the coming weeks.
For Tennessee fans, the hope is that Konabanny remains firm in his commitment and ultimately dons the orange and white. For Florida fans, the visit provides optimism that the Gators can flip one of the top defensive backs in the class.
As the recruiting cycle unfolds, Konabanny’s decision will be one to watch. Whether he sticks with Tennessee or makes the switch to Florida, his talent ensures that he’ll be a difference-maker at the next level.