Shocking Decision: 5-Star Oregon State Decommits, Chooses Tennessee Volunteers Over LSU, Georgia, and Oklahoma State
In a move that has taken the college football world by surprise, 5-star recruit and highly sought-after player, Ryan Mitchell, has decommitted from Oregon State and announced his decision to join the Tennessee Volunteers. The decision has left fans, coaches, and analysts alike scrambling to understand how Mitchell’s recruitment has reached such a dramatic turning point, as the high school standout initially committed to the Beavers earlier this year. His choice to join the Volunteers instead of powerhouse programs like LSU, Georgia, and Oklahoma State is one that will be talked about for years to come.
Mitchell, a highly talented offensive lineman from Westfield High School in Texas, has long been regarded as one of the most promising young prospects in college football. His blend of size, strength, and technique has made him a top recruit in the 2025 class. As one of the most coveted players in the nation, his commitment was expected to set the tone for a slew of subsequent decisions in recruiting. But when Mitchell announced his decommitment from Oregon State and declared his intentions to sign with Tennessee, it sent shockwaves throughout the world of college football.
What followed was a frenzy of speculation as fans and analysts tried to piece together what led to this unexpected turn of events. Mitchell’s recruitment had been closely monitored by a number of elite programs, with LSU, Georgia, and Oklahoma State among the schools vying for his services. Each of these programs had invested considerable time and effort in recruiting Mitchell, and many believed that they had the inside track to land his commitment. But when Tennessee emerged as the surprise victor, it raised questions about what factors ultimately swayed Mitchell’s decision and what this means for the future of the Tennessee Volunteers.
Mitchell’s Decision-Making Process
While Mitchell’s decommitment from Oregon State came as a surprise, the offensive lineman had been somewhat vocal about his ongoing recruitment process throughout the year. Initially, Mitchell committed to Oregon State earlier this year, drawn to the program’s stability, coaching staff, and the opportunity to play early. However, it seems that over time, he began to weigh other options more seriously, particularly as some of the top football programs in the country started showing interest.
The decision to flip from Oregon State to Tennessee wasn’t made overnight. Sources close to Mitchell have revealed that, despite his commitment to Oregon State, he had maintained strong relationships with coaches and staff members at a number of other schools. LSU, Georgia, and Oklahoma State had all made their case, and Mitchell had a front-row seat to what each program had to offer. While Oregon State had been a strong contender early on, the allure of a program like Tennessee — with its historic legacy and bright future under head coach Josh Heupel — proved to be too powerful to ignore.
According to several sources, the biggest factor that swayed Mitchell’s decision was the chance to play in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) at Tennessee. With the Volunteers being one of the top programs in the conference and having a high-powered offense led by Heupel, Mitchell saw an opportunity to challenge himself at the highest level of college football while still playing for a program that felt like home. His decommitment from Oregon State and commitment to Tennessee was seen as a sign of his desire to be part of a team that could compete at the national level and potentially set him up for an NFL career in the near future.
Additionally, Tennessee’s impressive recruiting class for 2025, which already includes several blue-chip prospects, made Mitchell feel more confident about joining a program that was on the rise. With the prospect of playing alongside top-tier talent, Mitchell could see himself making an immediate impact for the Volunteers while contributing to their resurgence under Heupel.
Tennessee Volunteers: A Rising Power in the SEC
Tennessee’s football program has been on an upward trajectory ever since Josh Heupel took over as head coach in 2021. Known for his fast-paced offense and high-scoring attacks, Heupel has transformed the Volunteers into a competitive force in the SEC, a conference that has long been home to some of the most dominant teams in college football. Under Heupel’s leadership, Tennessee has become one of the most exciting programs to watch, and the addition of a talent like Mitchell will only continue to enhance the team’s prospects moving forward.
The Volunteers’ offensive line has been a key area of focus for Heupel and his staff, and Mitchell’s commitment is seen as a major step in solidifying that unit. With his size and skill set, Mitchell is expected to be an immediate contributor and one of the centerpieces of the Volunteers’ future offensive line. His decision to join Tennessee only strengthens the program’s recruiting efforts, as the Volunteers continue to position themselves as a top contender in the SEC and beyond.
In addition to their high-powered offense, Tennessee boasts a passionate fan base and a history of success that makes the program an attractive destination for top recruits like Mitchell. The opportunity to play in front of tens of thousands of fans at Neyland Stadium, one of the most iconic venues in college football, was also a factor that weighed heavily in Mitchell’s decision.
LSU, Georgia, and Oklahoma State: Close but No Cigar
While Tennessee emerged as the surprise winner in Mitchell’s recruitment, the schools that were considered his primary contenders — LSU, Georgia, and Oklahoma State — were certainly not left empty-handed. Each of these programs has its own appeal, and all of them made strong pitches to Mitchell in the final weeks leading up to his decision.
LSU, under head coach Brian Kelly, has a proven track record of developing elite talent and producing NFL-ready players. The Tigers are known for their physical style of play and their ability to compete for national championships, and Mitchell would have had the chance to join a program with that level of pedigree. However, despite LSU’s storied history and ongoing success, Mitchell ultimately chose to play for a program with a different vision for his development.
Georgia, the reigning national champions, was also a major player in Mitchell’s recruitment. The Bulldogs have dominated college football in recent years and have an incredible track record of developing players for the next level. Georgia’s reputation for producing top-tier defensive talent is well-known, and they’ve been particularly successful in building a powerful offensive line. While Mitchell was impressed with the Bulldogs’ recent success, the chance to compete in a high-octane offense at Tennessee ultimately swayed him away from Georgia’s traditionally dominant, run-focused style.
Oklahoma State, which has seen a resurgence under head coach Mike Gundy, was another school that Mitchell considered seriously. The Cowboys have consistently been competitive in the Big 12, and Gundy’s offensive system offers a balanced approach to both the passing and running games. Oklahoma State would have been a great fit for Mitchell, but ultimately, Tennessee’s high-octane offense and the opportunity to compete in the SEC took precedence.
What’s Next for Ryan Mitchell?
With Mitchell’s commitment to Tennessee official, the focus now shifts to his development as part of the Volunteers’ 2025 class. He will join a talented recruiting class that already includes several elite players at key positions. Tennessee’s offense, which has already been explosive under Heupel, will only continue to get better with the addition of Mitchell and other high-profile recruits.
Mitchell’s decision is a testament to Tennessee’s rise as a legitimate contender in the SEC. The Volunteers now have another cornerstone player in Mitchell, a young man who will be expected to play a significant role in the program’s success for years to come.
As for Mitchell, his decision to flip his commitment to Tennessee signifies a new chapter in his athletic career, one that promises to bring challenges, growth, and opportunities for greatness. Playing for one of the top programs in the nation will only help him hone his skills and potentially prepare him for the NFL. With his talent, determination, and work ethic, Mitchell is primed to be one of the next great offensive linemen in college football.
Conclusion
Ryan Mitchell’s shocking decision to decommit from Oregon State and choose Tennessee over LSU, Georgia, and Oklahoma State is a major moment in the 2025 college football recruiting cycle. His commitment to the Volunteers signals their continued rise as a powerhouse in the SEC and college football at large. For Mitchell, Tennessee provides the perfect opportunity to develop into an elite player while competing for national championships. The college football landscape is sure to be watching closely as Mitchell and the Volunteers prepare for what could be a bright future ahead.
