The Tennessee Volunteers landed a significant victory on the recruiting trail by flipping 2025 running back Daune Morris from the USC Trojans. Morris, a four-star prospect from Southern California, cited Tennessee’s football culture, offensive philosophy, and potential for growth as major factors in his decision to change course and commit to the Volunteers.
This commitment marks a pivotal moment in Tennessee’s recruiting strategy as head coach Josh Heupel continues to build a roster capable of competing for SEC championships and, eventually, College Football Playoff berths.
Morris, standing 6-foot-1 and weighing 205 pounds, is a dynamic running back ranked among the top 15 players at his position in the 2025 class. Initially committed to USC in early 2024, the Trojans appeared to have locked down another local star for their high-powered offense under Lincoln Riley. However, after a visit to Knoxville earlier this fall, Morris began to reevaluate his decision.
“I’ve always respected what Coach Riley and the Trojans are building,” Morris said. “But when I visited Tennessee, I felt something different. The energy, the coaching staff, and the opportunity to play in the SEC really stood out. The opportunity at Tennessee is great for me.”
Morris elaborated on his decision, pointing to Tennessee’s run-focused offense and track record of developing running backs for the next level. “It’s the best place for me to develop my skills and maximize my potential,” he added.
Morris’s flip is a testament to Tennessee’s ability to compete with top-tier programs for elite talent. Under Heupel, the Vols have built an offense that balances a potent passing attack with a physical running game, providing running backs with ample opportunities to shine.
During his visit, Morris reportedly connected with Tennessee’s running backs coach Jerry Mack and offensive coordinator Joey Halzle, both of whom played key roles in showcasing how the Vols plan to use him in their offense.
“Tennessee’s coaches were very clear about their vision for me,” Morris said. “They see me as a versatile back who can run between the tackles, catch passes out of the backfield, and make plays in space. That’s exactly how I want to play.”
Additionally, the passionate fanbase at Neyland Stadium left a lasting impression. “Seeing the energy in the stadium on game day was unreal,” Morris said. “It’s something I want to be a part of.”
Morris’s commitment is another step forward for Tennessee as it builds a strong 2025 recruiting class. With several key pieces already in place, adding a talent like Morris boosts the Vols’ national recruiting ranking and strengthens their offensive future.
Heupel’s ability to flip a player of Morris’s caliber from a powerhouse program like USC is a testament to the program’s rising stature in the SEC. “This is just the beginning,” Heupel said in a statement following Morris’s announcement. “We’re building something special here, and Daune is going to be a big part of that.”
For USC, losing Morris is undoubtedly a significant setback. As one of the top running backs in the 2025 class and a local standout from the Trojans’ backyard, Morris was expected to be a centerpiece of their recruiting class. While USC will look to rebound, this flip underscores the competitive nature of recruiting in the modern era, particularly with the allure of playing in the SEC.
As Morris prepares for his senior year of high school, his focus is on refining his game and preparing for the leap to college football. With his commitment to Tennessee now official, Morris is eager to prove himself on one of the sport’s biggest stages.
“I’m excited to be a Vol,” Morris said. “This is just the start, and I can’t wait to get to work in Knoxville. We’re going to do something special.”
With Daune Morris in the fold, Tennessee’s future in the backfield looks brighter than ever, and Vol Nation can look forward to seeing this talented playmaker don the orange and white in the coming years.