Knoxville, Tennessee – The University of Tennessee’s football program, under the leadership of Head Coach Josh Heupel, has secured a significant commitment that promises a bright future for the Vols’ defensive line. With a terrific prospect eager to join the team, the son of a former Georgia defensive lineman has officially committed to Tennessee, marking a promising new chapter for the program and sending a clear message on the recruiting trail.
The commitment comes from Kedric Golston II, a talented three-star edge rusher from Stone Bridge High School in Ashburn, Virginia. What makes this commitment particularly notable is Golston II’s lineage: he is the son of Kedric Golston, a former Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman who was a 30-game starter for the Bulldogs from 2002-2005 before enjoying a successful 10-year career in the NFL with the Washington Redskins. This “Georgia legacy” choosing the Volunteers is a significant win for Tennessee, highlighting their growing appeal and strong relationships within the recruiting landscape.
Kedric Golston II’s decision to commit to Tennessee was officially announced on Friday, June 27, 2025, following a pivotal official visit to Knoxville earlier in the month. He chose the Vols over strong contenders such as Virginia Tech, Rutgers, and notably, the University of Georgia, which had also shown considerable interest throughout his recruitment.
For the younger Golston, the decision was clearly a challenging one, laden with emotional ties to his father’s alma mater. “It was pretty hard (decision) because I grew up a Georgia fan and my dad played there,” Golston II openly admitted. “Just weighing my options, I just prayed on it and let the Lord guide me with my decision.” This maturity and thoughtfulness in his decision-making process bodes well for his future at the collegiate level.
A crucial factor in Tennessee’s successful recruitment of Golston II was the presence of a familiar face on the Vols’ coaching staff: defensive line coach Rodney Garner. Garner, a veteran assistant known for his exceptional recruiting prowess and development of defensive linemen, coached Kedric Golston Sr. during his time at Georgia. This pre-existing relationship proved invaluable in swaying the younger Golston towards Rocky Top.
Golston II spoke highly of his bond with Coach Garner, emphasizing the personal connection. “The family allegiance was moved into the background early in the recruiting process because of which coach offered Golston in February 2024. It was Vols defensive line coach Rodney Garner, who coached Golston’s father at Georgia,” 1explained a source close to the recruitment. “I have multiple people reaching out to me every day, getting on the phone to talk. I have a good relationship with pretty much everybody in the building, not just with coach G,” Golston II added, indicating a comprehensive and welcoming recruiting effort from the entire Tennessee staff.
Tennessee’s plan for Golston II involves him playing the LEO position in their defensive scheme. The LEO is a hybrid edge rusher and outside linebacker, a versatile role that demands both pass-rushing ability and coverage skills. This position is critical to the Vols’ defense, exemplified by the success of former Tennessee standout and first-round NFL Draft pick, James Pearce Jr., who also played the LEO role.
“I like how much the LEO does,” Golston II stated, expressing his enthusiasm for the defensive fit. “That’s a really big part in the defense for them. I like the flexibility, the versatility of the position.” This alignment of a player’s skills and preferences with the defensive scheme is often a key indicator of future success and satisfaction at the collegiate level.
Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 235 pounds, Golston II possesses the ideal physical attributes for an edge rusher. His recruiting profile paints a picture of a promising talent:
- Ranking: He holds a 247Sports grade of 89, ranking him as the nation’s No. 44 edge rusher and the No. 13 player in Virginia. In the industry-generated 247Sports Composite, he is similarly ranked as the No. 44 edge rusher nationally and the No. 11 player in Virginia. On3 Sports, another prominent recruiting service, lists him as a four-star recruit, the No. 41 edge rusher, and the No. 10 player in Virginia. These consistent rankings across multiple platforms underscore his status as a high-caliber prospect.
- Skill Set: As an edge rusher, Golston II is known for his explosiveness off the line of scrimmage, his ability to bend around the edge, and his relentless motor. His athleticism allows him to pursue ball carriers effectively and put pressure on opposing quarterbacks. The LEO position in Tennessee’s defense will allow him to showcase his pass-rushing skills while also developing his capabilities in space.
Kedric Golston II’s commitment marks the tenth addition to Tennessee’s growing 2026 recruiting class. Significantly, he becomes the sixth player in the class to be rated as a four-star recruit or higher, according to On3 Sports. This demonstrates Coach Heupel and his staff’s ability to consistently attract top-tier talent, building a strong foundation for future success.
The commitment of a Georgia legacy is also a strong statement on the recruiting trail. It shows that Tennessee can go head-to-head with perennial powerhouses like Georgia, especially when leveraging strong personal connections like that between Coach Garner and the Golston family. This kind of win in a recruiting battle can build momentum and confidence for future pursuits.
Golston II’s decision was the culmination of a thorough recruiting process. He took official visits to Rutgers, Tennessee, and Virginia Tech. While Rutgers made a strong impression during his visit from May 30-June 1, it was his official visit to Tennessee a week later that ultimately put the Vols over the top. He also visited Tennessee three times last year, including for the memorable home victory against Alabama, and for the “865 Live” event more recently. These multiple visits allowed him to truly immerse himself in the culture and environment of the program.
For Coach Josh Heupel, a commitment like Golston II’s reinforces the positive trajectory of the Tennessee football program. Heupel has consistently emphasized building relationships with recruits and creating a winning culture that players want to be a part of. Golston II’s direct quote reflects this: “I think it starts with coach (Josh) Heupel,” Golston II said. “He runs the program smooth.” This speaks to the stable and appealing environment that Heupel has cultivated in Knoxville.
As Kedric Golston II prepares for his senior high school season and looks ahead to his collegiate career, his commitment to Tennessee represents a significant boost for the Volunteers. His talent, versatility, and the powerful family connection to Coach Garner make him a truly promising prospect. His decision is a clear indicator that the Vols are not only competing with the best on the field but also winning crucial battles in the highly competitive world of college football recruiting, setting the stage for a compelling new chapter for Tennessee football.
