In a candid and heartfelt revelation, former Tennessee Volunteers star Trey Smith has opened up about the emotional and strategic reasons behind his decision to choose the University of Tennessee over his longtime dream school — the University of Alabama. Despite being a lifelong Crimson Tide fan, Smith chose to forge his legacy in Knoxville, and he’s now explaining why that choice meant everything.
Trey Smith, who grew up idolizing Alabama football, admitted that the decision to turn down the powerhouse program was anything but easy. For most of his childhood, Alabama represented the pinnacle of college football — dominance, tradition, and excellence. However, when it came time to make his decision as one of the nation’s top offensive line recruits in the Class of 2017, Smith surprised many by committing to Tennessee.
“When it came down to it, Tennessee felt like home,” Smith explained. “I had to put aside emotion and look at where I felt I could grow the most — not just as a football player, but as a man.”
The deciding factor? Relationships and the sense of purpose he felt in Knoxville. Smith spoke passionately about the connection he built with the Tennessee coaching staff, particularly then-head coach Butch Jones and offensive line coach Walt Wells. He felt that Tennessee wasn’t just offering him a scholarship, but a place to lead, inspire, and leave a lasting legacy.
Another critical point Smith highlighted was the opportunity to contribute right away and be a part of something bigger than himself. At Tennessee, he saw a chance to help rebuild and reestablish the Vols’ dominance in the SEC — a challenge that fueled his competitive nature.
“I wanted to go somewhere I could make an impact immediately,” he said. “At Tennessee, I knew I could help lay a new foundation and be part of turning the program around.”
Smith also acknowledged the support he received during his well-documented battle with blood clots in his lungs — a health scare that threatened his football career. The University of Tennessee stood by him through every step, medically and emotionally. That unwavering support only reinforced that he had made the right choice.
Today, as an NFL offensive lineman and Tennessee football legend, Smith’s story is one of resilience, loyalty, and heart. His decision to choose Tennessee over Alabama wasn’t just about football — it was about finding purpose, brotherhood, and a second home.
“I’ll always respect Alabama,” he concluded, “but I have no regrets. Tennessee was where I was meant to be.”
