Tennessee football is in the running for four Lipscomb Academy recruits: Chauncey Gooden (OT), CJ Jimcoily (DB), Amir Leonard-Jean Charles (DL), and Kris Thompson (LB). Coach Josh Heupel has already secured commitments from two top Class of 2025 players: George MacIntyre and Ethan Utley, who are now advocating for Gooden to join them. Gooden, a top-ranked lineman, has listed Tennessee among his 10 finalists. Jimcoily, recruited as a safety, and Thompson are both weighing their options, with Thompson being swayed by Tennessee's recent offer. Defensive tackle Charles is also closely considering Tennessee, along with other major schools.

By the Numbers
  • Chauncey Gooden: 6'4", 320 pounds, ranked No. 6 in Tennessee for 2025
  • CJ Jimcoily: ranked No. 13 in Tennessee for 2025, 30th-ranked safety nationally
  • Amir Leonard-Jean Charles: ranked No. 20 in Tennessee as a three-star defensive lineman
  • Kris Thompson: 6'1", 225 pounds, holds offers from multiple schools
State of Play
  • Kris Thompson is taking a deliberate approach to his decision-making, focusing on relationships and fit.
  • Amir Leonard-Jean Charles plans to commit before the start of his senior season.
  • CJ Jimcoily is scheduling visits to Stanford, LSU, Tennessee, and Ole Miss in June.
What's Next

All four recruits are expected to make their final decisions before the start of their senior season in late summer. Visits to key schools in the next few months will be crucial in their decision-making process.

Bottom Line

Tennessee football is making significant strides in recruiting top talent from Nashville, with Coach Heupel leveraging relationships and recent commitments to attract more high-caliber players. The next few months will be pivotal as these recruits finalize their college choices.