BREAKING NEWS: Elite Tennessee RB Target Cancels Official Visit After Committing to Notre Dame
In a significant recruiting shake-up, four-star running back Daniel Anderson has officially canceled his scheduled visit to the University of Tennessee following his recent commitment to the University of Notre Dame. The move marks a major win for the Fighting Irish and a tough loss for the Volunteers, who had been in hot pursuit of the talented prospect from Bryant High School in Arkansas.
Anderson, ranked among the top running backs in the class of 2025, had garnered considerable attention over the past year thanks to his powerful running style, excellent vision, and breakaway speed. His performances at various camps and during the high school season made him one of the most sought-after backs in the nation. While initially flying under the radar with limited offers, Anderson’s recruitment exploded after standout performances in 2023, including an eye-catching appearance at Notre Dame’s Irish Invasion camp.
Tennessee was among the programs to extend a scholarship offer following Anderson’s breakout. The Volunteers, under head coach Josh Heupel, had prioritized Anderson in their 2025 recruiting class, hoping to add a dynamic playmaker to their offensive arsenal. An official visit to Knoxville was scheduled, and sources close to the program had suggested the visit could be pivotal in Tennessee’s pursuit.
However, Notre Dame had already made a lasting impression. Anderson first committed to the Fighting Irish in September 2023, citing strong relationships with head coach Marcus Freeman and running backs coach Deland McCullough, as well as the school’s balance of high-level football and academic prestige. Though he briefly decommitted in October 2024 to reevaluate his options, the Arkansas standout ultimately decided to reaffirm his pledge to Notre Dame this spring, effectively ending any speculation about a flip to Tennessee or other programs.
“I’ve thought about it with my family, and I feel like Notre Dame is the best place for me,” Anderson reportedly said in a recent interview. “The coaches have believed in me from the beginning, and I want to be a part of what they’re building.”
With Anderson now firmly off the board, Tennessee will need to turn its attention to other backfield targets in the 2025 class. While the Volunteers remain active in recruiting top-tier talent across the country, missing out on a player of Anderson’s caliber is a noticeable blow.
For Notre Dame, Anderson’s recommitment is a major boost to an already impressive recruiting class. His skillset and character align well with the program’s culture, and his early decision allows the Irish staff to shift focus toward rounding out the rest of their class.
The battle for elite recruits continues, and while Tennessee may have lost this round, the long race to National Signing Day is far from over.
