Lagonza Hayward Decommits from Tennessee Volunteers: A Shocking Move in the 2025 Class
The Tennessee Volunteers football program faced a major recruiting shakeup when highly regarded 2025 prospect Lagonza Hayward announced his de-commitment. Hayward, a four-star linebacker and one of the top defensive prospects in the nation, took to social media to share his decision, sending ripples through the college football community.
The news comes as a surprise to Tennessee fans, who had celebrated Hayward’s commitment earlier this year. His departure from the Volunteers’ 2025 recruiting class raises questions about the factors behind his decision and what it means for both Hayward’s future and Tennessee’s recruiting efforts.
In a heartfelt post on his social media account, Hayward thanked the Tennessee coaching staff for their support during his recruitment process. “After much prayer, reflection, and conversations with my family, I have decided to de-commit from the University of Tennessee,” he wrote. “This was not an easy decision, but I feel it’s the best move for me as I continue to evaluate my options.”
Hayward’s tone was respectful and appreciative, emphasizing that his decision was not a reflection of any issues with the program. “Tennessee is a great school with an amazing fan base, and I have nothing but respect for Coach [Josh] Heupel and his staff,” he added.
Hayward’s de-commitment deals a significant blow to Tennessee’s 2025 recruiting class. As one of the highest-rated players in the class, Hayward was expected to be a cornerstone of the Volunteers’ defense in the years to come. Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 220 pounds, Hayward possesses the size, speed, and football IQ that make him a coveted recruit for any program.
His departure creates a notable gap in Tennessee’s defensive plans. The coaching staff will now need to pivot quickly to fill the void, either by intensifying their pursuit of other linebackers or by attempting to re-establish their relationship with Hayward.
While Hayward did not explicitly state why he de-committed, several factors may have influenced his choice. The ever-evolving nature of recruiting often sees players reconsidering their options as they receive new offers or learn more about other programs.
Some analysts speculate that Hayward’s decision could be tied to the intense competition for playing time in Tennessee’s linebacker room, while others point to the increased interest he has received from other elite programs. Schools like Alabama, Georgia, and Ohio State, all of which have strong track records in developing NFL-caliber linebackers, have reportedly kept tabs on Hayward.
The NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) era may also have played a role. With players now able to capitalize on endorsement opportunities, the financial packages associated with certain programs can influence decisions.
Hayward’s decision to de-commit doesn’t mean the door is completely closed for Tennessee. It’s not uncommon for prospects to reconsider their options and eventually return to their original commitments. However, with Hayward back on the market, a recruiting battle among top programs is almost guaranteed.
For Hayward, this move signals his desire to explore all options and ensure he makes the best decision for his career and development. With offers from nearly every major program in the country, his recruitment will be one of the most closely watched storylines in the 2025 class.
Tennessee’s coaching staff must now regroup and focus on maintaining momentum in the 2025 recruiting cycle. The Volunteers have already landed commitments from several other highly rated players, but losing Hayward underscores the importance of keeping top prospects locked in until signing day.
The Volunteers may also revisit their approach to securing defensive talent, emphasizing player development and potential roles in their pitch to other recruits.
Lagonza Hayward’s de-commitment is a significant development in the world of college football recruiting. While it’s a setback for Tennessee, it also opens up new opportunities for the program to retool its recruiting strategy. For Hayward, this decision marks a pivotal moment in his journey as he navigates the competitive landscape of college football.
As the 2025 recruiting cycle progresses, all eyes will be on Hayward’s next move—and whether Tennessee can bounce back from this unexpected loss.