Recruiting analyst delivers prediction that may not sit well with Tennessee Vols fans
The Tennessee Volunteers are vying for the commitment of 2026 five-star wide receiver Tristen Keys, a highly sought-after talent from Hattiesburg, Mississippi.
At 6-foot-2 and 175 pounds, Keys has earned recognition as the top wide receiver in the nation, as well as the top player in his home state. Additionally, he ranks as the No. 4 overall prospect in the 2026 class, according to 247Sports.
In late January, Chad Simmons of On3 made an early, optimistic prediction suggesting that Tennessee could secure Keys’ commitment.
However, just days later, Adam Gorney, Rivals.com’s national recruiting director, threw a wrench into that prediction. Gorney made his own forecast, but instead of choosing the Vols, he picked Texas A&M as the program most likely to land Keys.
The recruiting battle for Keys is expected to be a lengthy and unpredictable one. Many experts believe it’s still too early to make definitive calls, as there are numerous schools still in the hunt.
Gorney’s prediction reflects the current momentum in the recruitment, but it’s important to note that this could easily change as more developments unfold. This isn’t a slight at Gorney’s assessment; rather, it’s a reminder that recruiting battles, especially for top-tier prospects like Keys, are dynamic and constantly shifting.
For Tennessee, the silver lining is that they remain in the mix. The Vols’ track record of success in recruiting elite wide receivers, such as Mike Matthews, Braylon Staley, and Travis Smith, should make them a strong contender for Keys’ commitment.
Their ability to land top-tier talent on the recruiting trail gives Tennessee fans hope that their program can continue to be a major player in the race for Keys, despite the current prediction favoring Texas A&M.
In the end, Tennessee’s status as one of the top destinations for elite recruits—and their continued recruitment of high-profile talents—means that the Vols cannot be counted out just yet.
Their pursuit of Keys is far from over, and while rival programs like Texas A&M will certainly make it competitive, Tennessee’s strong recruiting efforts ensure they’ll remain in the conversation for the star wide receiver for the foreseeable future.
