3-star safety Jowell Combay has officially committed to Tennessee, choosing the Volunteers over strong interest from Georgia, Missouri, South Carolina, and Wisconsin. He also received offers from several other top programs, including Auburn, Ole Miss, and Alabama.
Jowell Combay, a highly regarded three-star safety in the 2025 recruiting class, has made his college decision official. The dynamic defensive back has committed to the Tennessee Volunteers, turning down a host of notable programs in the Southeastern Conference and beyond. His commitment represents a major win for head coach Josh Heupel and his defensive staff, especially in a recruiting battle that featured stiff competition from powerhouse programs like Georgia, Missouri, South Carolina, and Wisconsin. In addition to those schools, Combay also received offers from Auburn, Ole Miss, Alabama, and several others—further emphasizing just how coveted he was on the recruiting trail.
Tennessee’s ability to land Combay is a clear sign that the Vols are continuing to build momentum on the recruiting front, especially in the secondary. Known for his versatility, range, and football IQ, Combay is the type of defensive back that can make an immediate impact once he arrives in Knoxville. His recruitment had been steadily heating up in recent months, with multiple programs pushing hard to get him on campus and lock down a commitment. But in the end, it was Tennessee that stood out for Combay—not just because of their facilities or tradition, but due to the relationships built between him and the coaching staff, along with a clear vision for how he fits into the program’s defensive schemes.
Combay’s decision didn’t come lightly. As a safety prospect who’s drawn praise for his instincts and ability to cover ground quickly, he was on the radar of several bluebloods for over a year. Georgia made a serious push late in the process, hoping to add him to their already-stacked defensive backfield. Missouri made a strong case for proximity and early playing time. South Carolina and Wisconsin both offered compelling development plans and unique program cultures. Even Alabama and Auburn, though not in his final group, showed strong interest early in the cycle. Combay evaluated each program carefully, considering everything from academic support to defensive scheme fit, team culture, and player development.
Ultimately, what swayed Combay toward Tennessee was the authenticity and consistency shown by the Volunteers’ staff. From the first contact to the final conversations before his announcement, the Tennessee coaches made it clear that Combay was a top priority for them. They didn’t just sell him on the dream of playing in the SEC; they showed him the path to success, backed up with evidence of how their defensive backs have developed in recent seasons. Defensive coordinator Tim Banks and safeties coach Willie Martinez played particularly important roles, showing Combay how he could be used in multiple safety looks, align in different packages, and be developed into an all-around weapon on defense.
Tennessee also provided Combay with an atmosphere that felt like home. During his official visit, he connected not just with the coaches, but with current players, academic advisors, and support staff. The energy on campus, the team’s chemistry, and the direction the program is heading all resonated with him. He left Knoxville with a feeling that he would be more than just another player—he’d be part of a family and a program that values his growth both on and off the field.
Combay’s skill set adds a unique element to Tennessee’s secondary. Standing at 6 feet tall and weighing around 190 pounds, he brings physicality to the position while still maintaining fluidity in coverage. He can cover tight ends in space, come downhill to stop the run, and track the ball in the air with impressive timing. His high school film is filled with plays that showcase his range and intelligence—baiting quarterbacks into throws, making open-field tackles, and communicating coverages pre-snap. Coaches often describe him as a “coach on the field,” a player who not only knows his assignment but understands the entire defensive concept.
That type of mental grasp is crucial in today’s game, especially in the SEC where offenses are increasingly complex. Tennessee is looking to improve on the back end of its defense, and adding a player like Combay brings both depth and potential leadership. Though he’ll likely need time to adjust to the speed of the college game, there’s a strong belief inside the program that he can be a multi-year contributor—possibly even a starter early in his career if he progresses well in practice and the weight room.
Recruiting wins like this are also emblematic of the cultural shift happening in Knoxville. Under Josh Heupel, Tennessee has transformed its recruiting approach, focusing not just on star ratings but on fit, development, and character. Combay checks all those boxes. He’s not just a talented athlete—he’s a hard worker, a student of the game, and someone who brings leadership qualities to the locker room. His high school coaches have raved about his preparation and discipline, noting that he often spends extra time in the film room and helps younger teammates grasp the defensive system.
This commitment also sends a message to other prospects that Tennessee is serious about competing with the best. Beating out Georgia, Alabama, Auburn, and others for a player like Combay isn’t just a recruiting victory—it’s a symbol that Tennessee is gaining real traction on the trail. It shows that the Volunteers can go head-to-head with the elite programs in the country and come out on top. And with several more key targets still on the board for the 2025 class, landing Combay may create momentum that leads to additional commitments in the near future.
For Combay, the choice brings both excitement and responsibility. Joining an SEC program like Tennessee comes with high expectations, intense competition, and national attention. But those are challenges he welcomes. In interviews, he’s made it clear that he’s not afraid to work, that he embraces the grind, and that he’s motivated to prove himself at the highest level of college football. His decision to commit early also gives him time to focus on his senior season, knowing his future is secure and his path is clear.
He plans to return to Knoxville later this year for more visits and to stay connected with the program. In the meantime, he’ll continue training, working with his high school team, and preparing for what he hopes will be a championship-level season to close out his prep career. And when the time comes to enroll at Tennessee, he’ll be ready to compete—not just to earn a spot, but to make an impact.
Fans of the Volunteers have every reason to be excited. Combay represents the type of recruit that can help elevate Tennessee’s defense and contribute to their long-term success in the SEC. He’s a smart, physical, and mature player who brings the kind of mindset that aligns perfectly with the culture Heupel and his staff are building. As the 2025 class continues to take shape, adding a player like Jowell Combay could be one of the defining moments of this cycle—a foundational piece around which future defensive units are built.
The recruitment of Combay also reflects the importance of player relationships in modern college football. Facilities, uniforms, and NIL opportunities are certainly part of the equation, but at the heart of every major commitment is trust. Tennessee earned that trust by being transparent, consistent, and genuine. That effort paid off, and now they’ve landed a player with the tools and temperament to become a leader in the orange and white.
Looking ahead, Tennessee will aim to continue building around defensive recruits like Combay. His presence may help attract other top-tier defensive backs, linebackers, and edge rushers who see the same things he did: a program on the rise, a coaching staff committed to development, and a fanbase hungry for championship-caliber football. In a conference where every inch matters and every recruit can tip the balance, adding a player of Combay’s caliber could prove to be a major step forward.
The impact of this commitment will unfold over time, but in the short term, it’s a clear victory for Tennessee—one that strengthens their class and reinforces their growing reputation on the recruiting trail. For Jowell Combay, it’s the next chapter in a promising football journey, one that will now be written in Knoxville. And for Volunteer fans, it’s another sign that the future on Rocky Top is looking brighter with each passing class.
