Recent coaching news could mean the Tennessee Vols now lead for a key 4-star recruit

Some recent coaching news could mean the Tennessee Vols are now the team to beat for a 2025 four-star recruit from Atlanta.

247Sports’ Anna Adams noted on Monday that Tennessee and Georgia “have probably led the pack” for 2025 four-star wide receiver Travis Smith.

But the recent news that Georgia wide receivers coach Bryan McClendon is leaving Athens to become the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ new wide receivers coach means that Smith will have to build a relationship with a new Bulldogs wide receivers coach.

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“BMac, man, that hit home for me. Straight to the heart, because me and BMac had a great relationship. It’s hard to see him go,” said Smith to Rivals.com of McClendon’s departure.

“Relationships are key to me,” added Smith. “So whenever they do get that receiver coach, I will need to build my relationship a little more on him so I can actually have a great feel and comfortability with the whole program once again.”

That news seemingly moves Tennessee to the front of Smith’s recruitment by default, though Georgia will obviously continue to be a major factor in this battle.

Still, the departure of McClendon certainly helps in Tennessee’s pursuit of Smith.

Smith, 6-foot-4/191 lbs, is rated in 247Sports’ composite rankings as the No. 25 wide receiver in the nation and the No. 27 player in the state of Georgia.

The talented wide receiver visited Tennessee twice last season (for the Vols’ games against Texas A&M and Georgia). He’s expected to visit Knoxville again in the spring.