In a stunning turn of events, highly-touted 5-star running back Dylan Sampson has officially decommitted from the Tennessee Volunteers, shocking the college football recruiting world. The dynamic athlete, considered one of the top prospects in the nation, has flipped his commitment to the Louisville Cardinals, with BYU also in the mix as a finalist for his services.
This move marks a significant shakeup in the 2025 recruiting class, and it’s sure to have ripple effects on both the Tennessee and Louisville football programs as well as the larger recruiting landscape.
The Decommitment: What Led to Dylan Sampson’s Change of Heart?
Dylan Sampson’s initial commitment to the Tennessee Volunteers was seen as a major win for head coach Josh Heupel and his staff. Sampson, a versatile and explosive running back, had long been a highly sought-after recruit, with offers from nearly every top program in the country. He committed to Tennessee early, but his recent decision to decommit has left fans and analysts scratching their heads.
While the reasons behind Sampson’s decommitment remain unclear, it’s evident that the young star’s recruitment has evolved. Over the past few months, it appears that Louisville made a strong push for the highly coveted prospect, with Cardinals head coach Jeff Brohm and his staff emphasizing an opportunity for early playing time and a chance to be a focal point in their high-octane offense.
Moreover, BYU, a program on the rise, also made a serious case for Sampson, presenting an exciting opportunity in the independent program. However, in the end, it was Louisville that ultimately won out, securing Sampson’s commitment and sending shockwaves through the recruiting world.
What Does This Mean for Tennessee?
For Tennessee, Sampson’s decommitment is undoubtedly a setback. The Volunteers were already building momentum under Heupel’s leadership and had high hopes for Sampson to be a centerpiece of their future offensive plans. Losing such a highly ranked recruit—particularly one with the game-breaking ability that Sampson possesses—will undoubtedly have an impact on the Volunteers’ recruiting efforts moving forward.
That said, Tennessee still has a solid recruiting class and will surely look to pivot and find another star running back to fill the void. The Volunteers have long been a contender in the SEC, and despite this setback, they remain a top destination for future recruits.
What Does Sampson’s Commitment Mean for Louisville?
For Louisville, this is a massive win and a statement moment in the recruiting world. The addition of a 5-star talent like Sampson gives the Cardinals a dynamic playmaker who could instantly impact their backfield. With head coach Jeff Brohm in his first season at Louisville, landing a player of Sampson’s caliber signals that the Cardinals are serious about competing at the highest level.
Louisville has a strong football tradition, and with Brohm at the helm, the program is expected to continue making waves in both recruiting and on the field. Sampson’s commitment adds further excitement to a program on the rise and gives fans hope for the future.
What’s Next for Dylan Sampson?
Now that Sampson has committed to Louisville, all eyes will be on his development as he prepares for the next step in his football journey. A talented running back with a combination of speed, vision, and power, Sampson has the potential to be an immediate contributor at the collegiate level. As he begins to integrate into the Cardinals’ system, fans and analysts alike will eagerly watch his progression, wondering how quickly he can make an impact in the ACC.
Conclusion: A Major Shift in Recruiting Dynamics
Dylan Sampson’s decision to decommit from Tennessee and pledge to Louisville over BYU is a major shakeup in the world of college football recruiting. For Tennessee, it’s a disappointment, but it’s unlikely to slow down the Volunteers’ recruiting efforts in the long term. For Louisville, it’s an exciting win and a sign of things to come under Jeff Brohm. As Sampson embarks on his next chapter with the Cardinals, both programs will look to build on his commitment and continue to improve their recruiting classes for the future.
Stay tuned for further updates as Dylan Sampson and the Louisville Cardinals prepare for what’s sure to be an exciting college football career.
