VOL TURNED HAWK: Tennessee Loses 4-Star In-State Tight End Carson Sneed to Iowa in Shocking Flip Ahead of Fall Camp
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — In a stunning recruiting twist just weeks before fall camp, the Tennessee Volunteers have lost one of their prized in-state commits. Four-star tight end Carson Sneed, a 6-foot-5, 235-pound playmaker from Brentwood, Tennessee, has officially flipped his commitment from Tennessee to the Iowa Hawkeyes, he announced in a statement posted to social media Friday morning.
“I want to thank Coach Heupel and the entire Tennessee staff for believing in me, but after much prayer, discussion with my family, and a recent visit to Iowa City, I’ve decided to flip my commitment to the University of Iowa,” Sneed wrote. “This decision wasn’t easy, but I believe it’s what’s best for my development on and off the field.”
Sneed had been committed to Tennessee since February and was one of the early jewels of the Vols’ 2026 class. Known for his blend of athleticism, hands, and blocking prowess, Sneed was projected to be a future matchup nightmare in Josh Heupel’s high-octane offense. However, Iowa’s tight end tradition — bolstered by recent NFL products like George Kittle, T.J. Hockenson, and Sam LaPorta — ultimately proved too powerful to resist.
Sources close to the situation reveal that Iowa tight ends coach Abdul Hodge never let up in his pursuit, even after Sneed’s verbal to Tennessee. A quiet visit to Iowa’s spring game in April reportedly reopened the door. The Hawkeyes’ pro-style scheme and track record of producing elite tight ends tipped the scales during a mid-July unofficial visit that included film sessions, meetings with strength staff, and a sit-down with head coach Kirk Ferentz.
Tennessee fans were blindsided by the news.
“This one hurts,” said one Vols fan on the popular message board VolNation. “He was going to be our Brock Bowers. Can’t fault the kid — Iowa’s TE factory is legit.”
With Sneed’s departure, Tennessee is now left scrambling to fill the void in the 2026 class. Insiders say the Vols are turning their attention toward Mississippi standout Camden Raynor and Georgia-native Tyrell Mays, both uncommitted and trending upward in the latest rankings.
For Sneed, the decision marks a shift in trajectory — from orange checkerboards to Big Ten gridiron trenches — but he insists the future remains bright.
“I’m forever grateful to my home state, but I’m ready to write a new chapter in black and gold,” Sneed said.
Fall camp hasn’t even started, and the recruiting drama is already in midseason form.
