The Tennessee Volunteers have continued their in-state recruiting momentum, landing a key commitment in three-star safety Luke Thompson from Franklin High School.
The Class of 2026 athlete, who is ranked among the top 20 prospects in Tennessee, announced his decision to join Josh Heupel’s program, becoming the fourth in-state pledge for the Vols’ upcoming recruiting class.
Thompson enjoyed a standout junior season in 2023, showcasing his versatility and playmaking ability on both sides of the ball. He tallied 750 all-purpose yards and six touchdowns on offense, while recording 68 tackles and three interceptions on defense — performances that earned him Region 6-6A Athlete of the Year honors.
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A native of Franklin, Tennessee, Thompson’s deep family ties to the Volunteers program played a pivotal role in his recruitment.
“They’ve played football, ran track, and cheered for Tennessee,” Thompson said,
noting his desire to continue the family tradition on Rocky Top.
He made an official visit to Tennessee last weekend, and the experience only solidified his choice.
“It was an awesome experience,” Thompson said. “Everything was very detailed, lined up one after another. I loved getting a break too, especially going on the lake and tubing with some of the guys — that was unexpected and fun.”
Tennessee’s coaching staff has been particularly impressed with Thompson’s speed and physicality. He boasts a verified in-game top speed of 21 miles per hour and runs a 4.41-second 40-yard dash.
“They like my speed and my ability to hit,” Thompson added. “They’ve been working with me on safety basics, especially backpedaling and DB fundamentals.”
Thompson joins a growing list of in-state talent committed to Tennessee, including four-star wide receiver Tyreek King, four-star edge rusher Zach Groves, and four-star tight end Carson Sneed.
His commitment further strengthens Heupel’s foothold in Tennessee’s talent-rich high school scene and reinforces the Vols’ emphasis on building a strong, homegrown foundation for the future.
