Tennessee Football has had Josiah Abdullah’s attention since they first extended him an offer in May 2022. This past weekend, Abdullah got to take in Knoxville and talk with the coaching staff.
The four-star wide receiver spent two hours talking with Tennessee wide receivers coach Kelsey Pope during his visit, talking about how the Vols could utilize Abdullah in their offense.
“He worked to get receivers to that next level,” Abdullah said. “And not only that but developing a player not only as a player but as a person, just shaping you as a man and just being great on and off the field. That’s something that really stood out to me, it was great and it was unique.”
Abdullah currently holds 50 scholarship offers. He ranks as the No. 252 prospect in the 2025 class and the No. 37 wide receiver on 247Sports Composite. Out of Woodward Academy in Atlanta, Georgia, he ranks as the No. 28 prospect from the Peach State.
Despite all the college attention, the Vols and their explosive offense have separated themselves among the schools in his recruitment.
“They know how to get receivers open, know how to throw the ball, great ball movement, and you know, just an amazing SEC offense all around,” Abdullah said. “I’ve been really interested since I got the first offer.”
As a 5-foot-10 and 175-pound receiver, Pope and Tennessee’s staff look at Abdullah as more of a speed guy out of the slot. The slot is a position that has had a lot of success in Tennessee’s offense, with Jalin Hyatt in 2022 in particular.
Abdullah has also been paying attention to a younger slot receiver in the Vols’ offense: Squirrel White.
“I’m also looking at the young guys like Squirrel White,” Abdullah said. “They definitely know how to get him open space. Him getting the ball, scoring touchdowns at a young age, the last year was his freshman year, I believe. They got him in there, especially in that Orange Bowl game and he got a deep ball. I’ve been watching him, I have been watching him since the season has started.”
Abdullah is also being recruited heavily by USC, Texas and Florida State to name a few. He also holds offers from Alabama, LSU, Michigan, Texas A&M and Florida.
Despite his lofty list of schools, the Vols have always distguished themselves in Abdullah’s eyes.
“It was an early offer,” he said. “I think it was one of the first 20 and they have been really high on my list since then.”
Abdullah plans to get back to Knoxville for the South Carolina game in Neyland Stadium. He “definitely” wants to make it back for a game in the fall, and at least another visit.
“I’m excited to get back over there,” Abdullah said.
