Breaking News: 5-Star RB Trey Cooley Decommits from Purdue, Pledges Commitment to Tennessee Vols Over Alabama, Auburn, and Florida Gators.
**Breaking News: 5-Star RB Trey Cooley Decommits from Purdue, Pledges Commitment to Tennessee Vols Over Alabama, Auburn, and Florida Gators**
In a major shift in the college football recruiting landscape, five-star running back Trey Cooley has announced his decision to decommit from Purdue and pledge his commitment to the University of Tennessee. Cooley, who had previously given his verbal commitment to the Boilermakers, is now set to join the Volunteers, turning down offers from powerhouse programs like Alabama, Auburn, and Florida.
### Cooley’s Impressive Recruiting Profile
Trey Cooley, a standout talent from the 2025 recruiting class, has long been considered one of the top running backs in the nation. With a blend of elite speed, vision, and power, Cooley is seen as a dynamic playmaker who can make an immediate impact at the college level. Standing at 6 feet and weighing 210 pounds, he has the physical tools to excel in a variety of offensive schemes, making him a coveted prospect for college football programs across the country.
In his high school career, Cooley has racked up eye-popping stats, with a combination of rushing yards, touchdowns, and receiving production that has made him one of the most sought-after recruits in recent years. His balance and ability to break tackles make him a versatile weapon who can excel both between the tackles and in the open field.
### A Shocking Turn of Events
Cooley’s decommitment from Purdue comes as a surprise to many, especially after his initial decision to join the Boilermakers. His commitment to Purdue had been seen as a solid move given the program’s growth under head coach Ryan Walters. However, in a series of recent visits and talks with coaches, Cooley reassessed his options and ultimately decided to reopen his recruitment.
While Purdue had made a strong push for Cooley’s signature, he ultimately chose to align himself with Tennessee, a program that has been building significant momentum under head coach Josh Heupel. Tennessee’s high-octane offense, which has turned heads with its dynamic playmaking and explosive performances, played a key role in attracting Cooley to Knoxville.
### Tennessee Vols Win the Race
In making his commitment to Tennessee, Cooley chose the Volunteers over a trio of other top programs: Alabama, Auburn, and Florida. Each of these schools had been in hot pursuit of the five-star back, and the race for Cooley’s signature was seen as one of the most competitive in the nation.
Alabama, a perennial powerhouse under head coach Nick Saban, had long been a favorite to land Cooley. Known for its championship pedigree and elite development of running backs, the Crimson Tide’s offer was certainly an attractive one. Likewise, Auburn and Florida had both made strong pushes, with each school offering Cooley a chance to be the centerpiece of their future rushing attack.
However, Cooley ultimately felt that Tennessee presented the best opportunity for his development and future success. The Volunteers’ explosive offensive scheme, led by Heupel’s innovative coaching staff, likely played a major role in his decision. Additionally, Tennessee’s rise as a national contender, particularly after a strong 2024 season, likely helped solidify the Vols as the ideal landing spot for the talented back.
### What Cooley’s Commitment Means for Tennessee
With Cooley’s commitment, Tennessee has bolstered an already impressive recruiting class, adding a dynamic playmaker to a team that has shown the ability to compete at the highest levels in the SEC. Cooley’s decision to choose the Vols is a significant win for Heupel and his staff, as they continue to build momentum and challenge the elite programs in college football.
The addition of Cooley gives Tennessee a centerpiece in its offensive backfield for the years to come, providing the Vols with a dual-threat weapon who can make an immediate impact in both the running and passing game. As a future star in the SEC, Cooley will be a key piece in helping Tennessee stay competitive with the likes of Alabama and Georgia in the race for national titles.
### The Future for Cooley
Now that his commitment is locked in with Tennessee, Cooley will likely spend the remainder of his high school career preparing for the next step in his football journey. His college decision may have been made, but his development as a player is far from over. Tennessee fans will be eagerly watching Cooley’s progress as he prepares for what could be a game-changing career in Knoxville.
With his talent and the offensive system he will enter at Tennessee, the sky is the limit for Trey Cooley as he embarks on the next chapter of his football journey. His pledge to the Volunteers marks the beginning of an exciting future, and it will undoubtedly be one to watch in the coming years.
