If YOU were a 2026 football recruit?????

[Volador]

With us being half way through the season and currently 5-2, you can read/see that there are some rumblings on Vol Nation. That is normal.

However, if you were a 2026 football recruit that has committed to Tennessee, would you be doing any research on what the temperature is around the football program in Knoxville? That's kind of rhetorical because OF COURSE YOU WOULD BE SCOURING THE INTERNET probably daily/hourly for information on perhaps the biggest decision of your life.

So, it probably makes sense that most if not all UT recruits find VolNation.com, as it is the premiere UT sports blog on the internet. And if this assumption holds true, what are these young men ages 17 and 18 thinking when the read the threads on this fine website?

Vicious Cycle: If we were to put on our collective caps and think of the #1 (and or top) reason/s that kids decommit from a school, my UTK educated guess would say that kids don't want to go to a school where there is friction between players, coaches and fans. Hell, I know I wouldn't, would you? So here is the conundrum we at UT continue to find ourselves in. The more games we lose, the more the fan base is agitated. The more the fanbase is agitated, the more likely elite players will opt to go to a school where there is a more positive vibe on campus and online. Let's face it, this happens every day now with student athletes as NIL and changes to the portal make it so easy to change your mind on a dime and go elsewhere.

What Vol Nation Fans Can Do: Think about everything you post from a 2026 recruits perspective, Of course we are free to write what we want and express our happiness and or displeasure however, could we, the fanbase, be part of the problem, not solution?

Go Vols!!

 

[sonofUT62]

With us being half way through the season and currently 5-2, you can read/see that there are some rumblings on Vol Nation. That is normal.

However, if you were a 2026 football recruit that has committed to Tennessee, would you be doing any research on what the temperature is around the football program in Knoxville? That's kind of rhetorical because OF COURSE YOU WOULD BE SCOURING THE INTERNET probably daily/hourly for information on perhaps the biggest decision of your life.

So, it probably makes sense that most if not all UT recruits find VolNation.com, as it is the premiere UT sports blog on the internet. And if this assumption holds true, what are these young men ages 17 and 18 thinking when the read the threads on this fine website?

Viscous Cycle: If we were to put on our collective caps and think of the #1 (and or top) reason/s that kids decommit from a school, my UTK educated guess would say that kids don't want to go to a school where there is friction between players, coaches and fans. Hell, I know I wouldn't, would you? So here is the conundrum we at UT continue to find ourselves in. The more games we lose, the more the fan base is agitated. The more the fanbase is agitated, the more likely elite players will opt to go to a school where there is a more positive vibe on campus and online. Let's face it, this happens every day now with student athletes as NIL and changes to the portal make it so easy to change your mind on a dime and go elsewhere.

What Vol Nation Fans Can Do: Think about everything you post from a 2026 recruits perspective, Of course we are free to write what we want and express our happiness and or displeasure however, could we, the fanbase, be part of the problem, not solution?

Go Vols!!

Please don’t claim a UTK degree and misspell vicious. I’m not trying to be a dick. Just fix it.

 

[TheVolsFrog]

I wouldn't care what some people on a forum are saying. All fans whine
Only care about when my first check is being deposited. Would take note if the headcoach was fired or leaving

 

[Peradox1K]

I'd probably forget this place existed

 

[ALLVOL 4LIFE]

Honest question! If you were the coach of a football program that has one of, if not the largest online forums, and super large crazed fanbase, would you consider warning your recruits to take the fans perspective with a grain of salt?

Plus, as a recruiter, the job is to sell the university, not the opinion of the fans. And I’m sure that the staff keeps any friction they have with fans or each other, behind closed doors.

 

[The Original Fade]

If I was a recruit I’d go where I had the most lucrative NIL offer. There’s no loyalty to school or program anymore. Might as well set myself up to walk away from college with a few 100Ks or more in case my NFL prospects don’t look good.

 

[swampfoxfan]

Please don’t claim a UTK degree and misspell vicious. I’m not trying to be a dick. Just fix it.

If you understood what the word was, why worry? And doubtful of his truthfulness, yes you are a dick.

 

[DonDiego]

Please don’t claim a UTK degree and misspell vicious. I’m not trying to be a dick. Just fix it.

Umm, perhaps he's talking about the viscosity of the cycle. Maybe he thinks it's thick. Bossy dude.

 

[swampfoxfan]

With us being half way through the season and currently 5-2, you can read/see that there are some rumblings on Vol Nation. That is normal.

However, if you were a 2026 football recruit that has committed to Tennessee, would you be doing any research on what the temperature is around the football program in Knoxville? That's kind of rhetorical because OF COURSE YOU WOULD BE SCOURING THE INTERNET probably daily/hourly for information on perhaps the biggest decision of your life.

So, it probably makes sense that most if not all UT recruits find VolNation.com, as it is the premiere UT sports blog on the internet. And if this assumption holds true, what are these young men ages 17 and 18 thinking when the read the threads on this fine website?

Viscous Cycle: If we were to put on our collective caps and think of the #1 (and or top) reason/s that kids decommit from a school, my UTK educated guess would say that kids don't want to go to a school where there is friction between players, coaches and fans. Hell, I know I wouldn't, would you? So here is the conundrum we at UT continue to find ourselves in. The more games we lose, the more the fan base is agitated. The more the fanbase is agitated, the more likely elite players will opt to go to a school where there is a more positive vibe on campus and online. Let's face it, this happens every day now with student athletes as NIL and changes to the portal make it so easy to change your mind on a dime and go elsewhere.

What Vol Nation Fans Can Do: Think about everything you post from a 2026 recruits perspective, Of course we are free to write what we want and express our happiness and or displeasure however, could we, the fanbase, be part of the problem, not solution?

Go Vols!!

I get what you're saying, but I think every school has a fan base that is sometimes very critical.

 

[sonofUT62]

If you understood what the word was, why worry? And doubtful of his truthfulness, yes you are a dick.

Thanks Buddy!!

 

[camp_steveo]

Hopefully our future Vols aren't spending a lot of time online. Better to be in the gym training, reading a book, or attending church. Anything but reading comments.

 

[SubVet676]

With us being half way through the season and currently 5-2, you can read/see that there are some rumblings on Vol Nation. That is normal.

However, if you were a 2026 football recruit that has committed to Tennessee, would you be doing any research on what the temperature is around the football program in Knoxville? That's kind of rhetorical because OF COURSE YOU WOULD BE SCOURING THE INTERNET probably daily/hourly for information on perhaps the biggest decision of your life.

So, it probably makes sense that most if not all UT recruits find VolNation.com, as it is the premiere UT sports blog on the internet. And if this assumption holds true, what are these young men ages 17 and 18 thinking when the read the threads on this fine website?

Viscous Cycle: If we were to put on our collective caps and think of the #1 (and or top) reason/s that kids decommit from a school, my UTK educated guess would say that kids don't want to go to a school where there is friction between players, coaches and fans. Hell, I know I wouldn't, would you? So here is the conundrum we at UT continue to find ourselves in. The more games we lose, the more the fan base is agitated. The more the fanbase is agitated, the more likely elite players will opt to go to a school where there is a more positive vibe on campus and online. Let's face it, this happens every day now with student athletes as NIL and changes to the portal make it so easy to change your mind on a dime and go elsewhere.

What Vol Nation Fans Can Do: Think about everything you post from a 2026 recruits perspective, Of course we are free to write what we want and express our happiness and or displeasure however, could we, the fanbase, be part of the problem, not solution?

Go Vols!!

Every silver lining has to have a cloud.

 

[D-Vols]

You are pi$$ing in the wind my friend, with so many negative Nancy crybabies on VOL Nation you will get no cooperation. I know if I was a player, trying to determine where I was going to spend my next four years, I would definitely be looking at every thing I could, including Vol Nation. I am sure what some players have read on Vol nation has cost us some players and anyone who thinks otherwise is probably a child or has a huge I d 10 T problem.

 

[rocketskates]

Recruits don’t care what people on a message board say. They care about the talent around them, tv time for nfl scouts, how much the school and coach can develop them so they can be drafted, and now, money. Not in that order.

 

[Oldvoldad]

With us being half way through the season and currently 5-2, you can read/see that there are some rumblings on Vol Nation. That is normal.

However, if you were a 2026 football recruit that has committed to Tennessee, would you be doing any research on what the temperature is around the football program in Knoxville? That's kind of rhetorical because OF COURSE YOU WOULD BE SCOURING THE INTERNET probably daily/hourly for information on perhaps the biggest decision of your life.

So, it probably makes sense that most if not all UT recruits find VolNation.com, as it is the premiere UT sports blog on the internet. And if this assumption holds true, what are these young men ages 17 and 18 thinking when the read the threads on this fine website?

Viscous Cycle: If we were to put on our collective caps and think of the #1 (and or top) reason/s that kids decommit from a school, my UTK educated guess would say that kids don't want to go to a school where there is friction between players, coaches and fans. Hell, I know I wouldn't, would you? So here is the conundrum we at UT continue to find ourselves in. The more games we lose, the more the fan base is agitated. The more the fanbase is agitated, the more likely elite players will opt to go to a school where there is a more positive vibe on campus and online. Let's face it, this happens every day now with student athletes as NIL and changes to the portal make it so easy to change your mind on a dime and go elsewhere.

What Vol Nation Fans Can Do: Think about everything you post from a 2026 recruits perspective, Of course we are free to write what we want and express our happiness and or displeasure however, could we, the fanbase, be part of the problem, not solution?

Go Vols!!

This sounds like a post from a fan that still hasn't wrapped their head around the current NIL state of CFB. Kids take the best deal year to year. (Some are all about the money. Some it's just a major factor) They are not looking that far ahead.

 

[vol94]

I would take the following into consideration when selecting a school - not in exact order -

1. Coaches - is there stability and can I get along with them? Do they make players better? It’s easy to research.

2. NIL

3. Systems- can i utilize my skills in their system?

4. Playing time - when can i compete for playing time ? Am I 2nd or 3rd on depth chart? Yes, I must earn it.

5. NFL- # of recent former players playing my position are in the league since Heup arrived? Since position coach arrived? How does the # of players compare to others recruiting me?

6. Education - a degree goes a long way imo. But, most colleges in the SEC are similar in education.

7. Atmosphere, campus life, stadium

8. Post nfl/graduation opportunities

 

[McDad]

Recruits motivation for decision (in not particular order)

Money
Playing time
Getting drafted

Fans on social media wouldn't even be on my radar.

 

[Shaun1985]

No. Not many undefeated teams and its sports so every fanbase is miserable. Look at TOsu after Michigan. They were ready to First 48 Ryan Day. 40k Vols showed up and they proceeded to spank everyone in their path. Its a roller-coaster

 

[Volador]

This sounds like a post from a fan that still hasn't wrapped their head around the current NIL state of CFB. Kids take the best deal year to year. (Some are all about the money. Some it's just a major factor) They are not looking that far ahead.

Very incorrect assessment sir. Thanks for playing

 

[Volador]

Please don’t claim a UTK degree and misspell vicious. I’m not trying to be a dick. Just fix it.

Please don’t claim a UTK degree and misspell vicious. I’m not trying to be a dick. Just fix it.

Hey, I tryed to learnt ass much ass I coulds when at Knocksvil.

 

[cgrish]

With us being half way through the season and currently 5-2, you can read/see that there are some rumblings on Vol Nation. That is normal.

However, if you were a 2026 football recruit that has committed to Tennessee, would you be doing any research on what the temperature is around the football program in Knoxville? That's kind of rhetorical because OF COURSE YOU WOULD BE SCOURING THE INTERNET probably daily/hourly for information on perhaps the biggest decision of your life.

So, it probably makes sense that most if not all UT recruits find VolNation.com, as it is the premiere UT sports blog on the internet. And if this assumption holds true, what are these young men ages 17 and 18 thinking when the read the threads on this fine website?

Vicious Cycle: If we were to put on our collective caps and think of the #1 (and or top) reason/s that kids decommit from a school, my UTK educated guess would say that kids don't want to go to a school where there is friction between players, coaches and fans. Hell, I know I wouldn't, would you? So here is the conundrum we at UT continue to find ourselves in. The more games we lose, the more the fan base is agitated. The more the fanbase is agitated, the more likely elite players will opt to go to a school where there is a more positive vibe on campus and online. Let's face it, this happens every day now with student athletes as NIL and changes to the portal make it so easy to change your mind on a dime and go elsewhere.

What Vol Nation Fans Can Do: Think about everything you post from a 2026 recruits perspective, Of course we are free to write what we want and express our happiness and or displeasure however, could we, the fanbase, be part of the problem, not solution?

Go Vols!!

You have negative fans on all sites. Even Saban was being criticized before he retired.

 

[DaddyChad]

I doubt Franklin thought he would be looking for a job this year.

 

[Gandalf]

If I were good enough to be a highly sought after prospect then I would be concerned mostly about how much money they are going to pay, playing time and general reputation of the program for sending guys at my position to the pros (aka good coaching).

If in lighter moments, i looked at VN, and that they were melting down over losing to 2 top 5 teams, I would (correctly) assess that Vol fans actually give a sh*t about football and that it would be a great thing to be playing for them.

 

[EastTNVol6240]

It’s all about the money. People really like to give to much clout to this forum. There ain’t a recruit in this country that cares what going on here right now.

 

[volmanjr]

I would say one trip to Neyland to feel the electricity from the home crowd would erase any negative vibes they might feel from reading a message board.