The Tennessee Volunteers made a major recruiting splash on November 26 as Daune Morris, a talented 3-star running back from Knoxville, announced he was flipping his commitment from USC to Tennessee. The flip marks a significant win for Josh Heupel and his staff, who have been laser-focused on keeping top in-state talent at home.
Morris, a standout from Fulton High School, initially committed to Lincoln Riley and the USC Trojans earlier this year. However, after reevaluating his decision and taking a closer look at what Tennessee has to offer, the dynamic back decided to stay closer to home and join the Volunteers’ 2025 recruiting class.
“I’ve always had love for Tennessee,” Morris shared during his announcement. “After spending more time with the coaching staff and seeing how they’re building something special, I knew it was the right place for me. This is home, and I want to represent it on the biggest stage.”
A Game-Changer for Tennessee
Though listed as a 3-star prospect, Morris is far more than his rating suggests. Standing at 5-foot-10 and weighing 195 pounds, he combines explosive speed, impressive vision, and a physical running style that allows him to excel in multiple offensive schemes. At Fulton, Morris has been the centerpiece of his team’s offense, rushing for over 1,500 yards and 18 touchdowns during his junior season while also showcasing his ability as a pass-catcher out of the backfield.
Morris is particularly dangerous in space, using his elusiveness and breakaway speed to turn short gains into big plays. His versatility makes him an ideal fit for Heupel’s up-tempo offense, which thrives on creating mismatches and putting playmakers in open space.
With Tennessee’s 2025 class already shaping up to be one of the best under Heupel’s tenure, adding Morris strengthens a position group that will be vital for the team’s success in the coming years. The Volunteers are aiming to build a deep and dynamic backfield, and Morris’s skill set perfectly complements the program’s vision.
The decision to flip from USC to Tennessee didn’t happen overnight. According to sources close to Morris, the Vols’ coaching staff made it a priority to build a strong relationship with the talented back and highlight the advantages of staying close to home.
Running backs coach Jerry Mack played a crucial role in the recruitment, emphasizing Tennessee’s commitment to developing Morris into an elite collegiate player. Additionally, Heupel’s offensive system, which has gained national attention for its explosiveness and creativity, was a major selling point.
Location also played a key role in Morris’s decision. Growing up in Knoxville, Morris has been surrounded by Tennessee football his entire life. The chance to play in front of family, friends, and the passionate Volunteer fanbase ultimately tipped the scales in Tennessee’s favor.
“Tennessee feels like family,” Morris said. “I grew up dreaming about running through the T at Neyland Stadium, and now I get the chance to make that dream a reality.”
Morris’s flip is a significant boost to Tennessee’s 2025 recruiting class, which is already shaping up to be one of the best in the SEC. The Vols have prioritized securing in-state talent under Heupel, and Morris’s commitment reinforces their ability to win key recruiting battles against national powerhouses like USC.
Morris joins a class that includes several high-profile recruits on both sides of the ball. Tennessee’s focus on developing a balanced roster is evident, as they continue to build depth and versatility across all positions. Adding a player like Morris, who can contribute in multiple ways, is a testament to the staff’s ability to identify and secure top-tier talent.
Fan Reaction
Unsurprisingly, Morris’s flip has been met with widespread excitement from Tennessee fans. Social media exploded with reactions to the news, with many celebrating Heupel’s ability to keep one of the state’s brightest stars at home.
“Keeping in-state talent like Daune Morris is how you build championship teams,” one fan tweeted. “This is just the beginning for Tennessee football under Heupel.”
Looking Ahead
For Tennessee, landing Morris is about more than just adding another name to the roster—it’s a statement about the program’s trajectory. As the Volunteers continue to ascend in the SEC, keeping top talent like Morris at home will be critical to sustaining long-term success.
Meanwhile, Morris is poised to become a fan favorite in Knoxville. His combination of talent, work ethic, and hometown pride makes him the perfect addition to Tennessee’s roster. As he prepares to join the Vols in 2025, one thing is clear: Daune Morris is ready to make an impact and help Tennessee reach new heights.
In the end, this flip isn’t just a win for Tennessee—it’s a sign of a program that’s building momentum and refusing to be outdone on the recruiting trail. With Morris now on board, the Volunteers are one step closer to solidifying their place among college football’s elite.