Breaking News: Five-Star Running Back Trey Cooley Chooses Tennessee Vols After Decommitting from Purdue, Turning Down Offers from SEC Giants Alabama, Auburn, and Florida Gators – Highlighting the Vols’ Rising Prestige in College Football.
In a significant development for college football recruiting, five-star running back Trey Cooley has committed to the Tennessee Volunteers after decommitting from Purdue University. Cooley, a standout athlete from Knightdale High School in North Carolina, had previously pledged to Purdue but reconsidered his options amid heightened interest from several top-tier programs.
Cooley’s decision to join Tennessee is particularly noteworthy as he turned down offers from Southeastern Conference (SEC) powerhouses, including Alabama, Auburn, and the Florida Gators. This commitment underscores the rising prestige of the Volunteers under their current coaching regime, signaling their growing influence in attracting elite talent.
During his junior year at Knightdale High, Cooley showcased exceptional talent, rushing for 959 yards and 14 touchdowns in just seven games. His performance positioned him as one of the most sought-after running backs in the nation. Initially committing to Louisville in 2020, Cooley later transferred to Georgia Tech, where he continued to demonstrate his capabilities on the field. After entering the transfer portal again in early 2025, Cooley has now found a new home with the Tennessee Volunteers.
The Volunteers’ ability to secure a commitment from a player of Cooley’s caliber, especially over traditional SEC giants, reflects the program’s upward trajectory and enhanced reputation in collegiate football circles. Fans and analysts alike view Cooley’s commitment as a testament to Tennessee’s strategic recruiting efforts and its potential for future success in the highly competitive SEC landscape.
