'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
4-star WR Travis Smith pledges commitment to Josh Heupel's Tennessee: "One of the hardest decisions I've ever made"
Westlake High School wide receiver Travis Smith committed to Tennessee's 2025 recruiting class on Saturday. He announced it at his high school on the 11Alive YouTube channel, choosing coach Josh Heupel's program over big programs like Alabama, Georgia and Auburn.
Smith received more than 30 scholarship offers, including 11 from SEC schools. He saw early interest from the Bulldogs and a strong push from the Crimson Tide this summer. Picking the Volunteers over these two big programs wasn’t an easy decision for the 6-foot-4, 200-pound WR from Atlanta, Georgia.
“It was one of the hardest decisions I have ever made,” Smith told On3. “At the end of the day, I felt Tennessee fit what I was looking for the best. From offensive productivity to the opportunity to shine in the offense to the scheme and just being in the best position to succeed.”
The crucial moment for Travis Smith came after his final visit to Rocky Top during the weekend of June 21-23. Tennessee's coaching staff, led by coach Josh Heupel and wide receivers coach Kelsey Pope, played a big role in his decision.
“From start to finish, Tennessee was the same,” Smith said. “They recruited me hard from the time they offered me. I built some great relationships with the coaches at Tennessee and they were one of the most consistent schools that recruited me."
The commitment wasn't just about the coaching staff, as Smith felt a strong connection with the current players as well. During his official visit, he was hosted by 2024 class wide receiver Mike Matthews and met Bru McCoy, a wide receiver who transferred from Southern California to Tennessee.
Even dual-threat quarterback Nico Iamaleava spent considerable time with Travis Smith and his family, making them feel at home.
Smith's decision was also influenced by his classmate and Tennessee commit, George MacIntyre, the No. 1 player in the state. The 2025 class quarterback's performance at a summer event left a lasting impression on Smith and his mother.
What does Travis Smith bring to Tennessee?
With his commitment, Travis Smith has become the third wide receiver commit in the Vols 2025 class, joining Radarious Jackson and Joakim Dodson. Offensive lineman Douglas Utu and quarterback George MacIntyre are the only two recruits with a higher rating than Smith.
Smith also becomes the ninth four-star prospect in the 2025 class, joining MacIntyre, Utu, Ethan Utley, Radarious Jackson, Jayden Loftin, Nic Moore and Jack VanDorselaer. He is the 17th commit in the class for Tennessee.
Travis Smith is labeled a “matchup nightmare” for opposing defenses, which can be sensed from his 53 receptions for 843 yards and eleven touchdowns last season.
He is ranked by 247Sports as the No. 15 wide receiver and No. 149 player overall in the 2025 class and the No. 20 recruit in Georgia. On3 ranks him as the No. 10 wide receiver and No. 59 player overall in the 2025 class and the No. 8 recruit in Georgia.
Trending
Tennessee Volunteers Fan? Check out the latest Tennessee Volunteers depth chart, schedule, and roster updates all in one place.
