Today is decision day for Tennessee wide receiver Amari Jefferson, and it’s come with plenty of suspense. Both sides definitely have a case for landing the four-star wideout and Star baseball player.

A dual-sport athlete, Jefferson will have three hats on the table but it’s essentially down to two schools with Alabama and Tennessee as the leaders. He will have the opportunity to play both sports (football, baseball) at either school, contributing in a number of ways due to his versatility.

Jefferson is set to announce today at 4 p.m.

Why Tennessee?

If Jefferson were to select Tennessee it would come down to his relationships with their staff and the loyalty and consistency the staff showed him throughout the process. Tennessee was on him early via baseball and when football opened up they didn’t fall too far behind.

Tennessee provides a chance to represent his home state, while playing for a highly explosive offense. The Volunteers certainly stand in firm position.

Why Alabama?

The Alabama tradition of producing receivers isn’t something that’s far off (Jameson Williams - 2021). So when Alabama’s tradition of producing NFL talent at the position is mentioned you don’t ignore it. Jefferson has respect for the history of Alabama and the opportunity in the class to be one of the main receivers.,

Jefferson has built good relationships with other 2024 targets including Caleb Odom and Rico Scott, who respectively did a good job remaining mum on their decisions.

Alabama has one wideout in the class right now, making Jefferson one of the primary targets.

Where does he go?

It’s been a long process for Jefferson and he’s become a household name on the gridiron and mound. The four-star receiver has leadership skills, a winning mindset and has immense upside at the position.

Alabama turned up the heat on Jefferson earlier this year and hasn’t let up since. The Tennessee native has visited the Crimson Tide a number of times this year, slowly developing a relationship and bond with the staff.

Despite in-state influence and the opportunity to be apart of what Tennessee is building, I believe that Jefferson will select the Crimson Tide today. Alabama has the spot in the class and Jefferson fits what they’re trying to build with his willingness to compete.

Prediction: Alabama

Tide Illustrated is expected to have feet on the ground.

A Future Cast was submitted for Jefferson on 7/20/23. We will see how it plays out later today. More to come.