The 2025 recruiting cycle continues to heat up, and Tennessee Football has positioned itself firmly in the hunt for one of the most disruptive defensive linemen in the class — Tristian Givens. The 6-foot-4, 260-pound wrecking ball out of Georgia has narrowed his list of finalists down to four: Tennessee, Alabama, Miami, and North Carolina.
Make no mistake — this is a major development for Josh Heupel and defensive line coach Rodney Garner. Givens is not just a typical blue-chip recruit; he’s the kind of game-wrecker who could anchor a defensive front in the SEC for years. With defensive depth being a priority in Knoxville, especially as the Vols aim to tighten up against high-powered offenses, Givens’ inclusion of Tennessee in his final four is big news.
Who is Tristian Givens?
A product of Manchester High School (GA), Givens has been rising up recruiting boards thanks to a dominant junior season that saw him total over 70 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, and 12 sacks. His blend of strength, motor, and twitch off the line makes him a nightmare in both run defense and pass rushing situations.
Rivals, On3, and 247Sports all rank Givens as a high four-star, with some projections placing him just shy of five-star status. He’s the kind of player that doesn’t just fill a roster spot — he transforms a defensive unit.
Why Tennessee Is in the Final Four
Under Josh Heupel, Tennessee’s recruiting footprint in Georgia has grown stronger each year, and landing someone like Givens would mark another major win for the Vols in enemy territory. Sources indicate that Tennessee has built a strong relationship with Givens over the past year, with defensive line coach Rodney Garner playing a pivotal role.
Garner’s track record in developing defensive linemen — dating back to his Auburn and Georgia days — carries a lot of weight with recruits and their families. For Givens, who wants to be in the NFL within three years, that development pipeline is a key consideration.
Plus, Tennessee’s scheme fits what Givens wants to do. The Vols’ 4-2-5 defensive alignment allows versatile linemen like him to move across the front, giving him opportunities to shine both inside and on the edge.
Competition: The Three Other Finalists
Let’s break down the competition for Givens’ signature:
- Alabama: The Crimson Tide are the perennial heavyweight. While Kalen DeBoer is still establishing his recruiting credibility in Tuscaloosa, the Bama brand still resonates. But Givens is reportedly not as tight with their new staff as he is with Tennessee or Miami.
- Miami: Don’t sleep on the Hurricanes. Mario Cristobal has been relentless on the recruiting trail, and Miami has prioritized Givens heavily. NIL opportunities and a clear path to playing time make the Canes a real threat.
- North Carolina: The Tar Heels are the wild card. Givens has a good relationship with UNC’s staff, and they’ve done a great job making him feel wanted. But can they compete with Tennessee or Alabama in terms of player development and exposure?
What’s Next in Givens’ Recruitment
Givens is expected to take official visits to all four schools over the summer, with Tennessee expected to host him during the June 14–16 weekend — a massive recruiting weekend in Knoxville. His timeline suggests a decision could come before his senior season begins in August.
Tennessee will roll out the orange carpet, showcasing their top-notch facilities, revamped Neyland Stadium, and the energy surrounding the Vols’ 2025 campaign. Heupel and Garner know that a player like Givens could become a foundational piece in their long-term defensive vision.
How Givens Would Fit Tennessee’s Defensive Future
If Givens commits to Tennessee, expect him to be an instant-impact guy. The Vols are losing several key contributors on the defensive line after this season, and while there are talented younger players like Daevin Hobbs and Tyre West, depth and top-tier talent are still needed.
Givens would likely compete for playing time as early as 2025. His frame, quickness, and violent hands make him a three-down player. Plus, his ability to play inside on passing downs makes him a chess piece Tim Banks would love to move around.
Why This Recruitment Matters for Tennessee’s 2025 Class
Tennessee is already putting together a solid 2025 class, but landing a big-time defensive lineman like Givens would elevate the group from solid to elite. It would also show recruits across the Southeast that the Vols can win battles for top-tier trench talent — something critical if they want to keep pace with Georgia, LSU, and Alabama.
If Josh Heupel is going to bring a championship back to Knoxville, it starts up front — and Tristian Givens could be a cornerstone of that vision.
