Vols on the Verge of Landing Some Big Names: 3 Star Recruits Who Could Change the Game
As spring football quickly approaches, Tennessee football coach Josh Heupel has already turned much of his focus to building for the future, particularly the 2026 recruiting class.
Although he hasn’t fully completed the 2025 roster yet, Heupel and his staff have made significant progress, securing seven verbal commitments for the 2026 class. Among those helping recruit the next wave of talent is 5-star quarterback Faizon Brandon, who has been actively working to bring in other top-tier players. With the Vols’ recruiting momentum building, it’s possible that major news could break in the near future.
Several standout 2026 recruits have shown strong interest in Tennessee, and in this article, we spotlight three players who could eventually commit to the Vols and make a significant impact in the years ahead.
4-Star Wide Receiver Joel Wyatt
Joel Wyatt recently took an unofficial visit to Tennessee, and it appears the trip went extremely well. Following the visit, On3’s Steve Wiltfong made a prediction that Wyatt would commit to the Vols. That would be a major victory for Heupel’s offense, as Wyatt is an explosive playmaker.
Ranked as the No. 7 wide receiver in the country by 247Sports, Wyatt holds a four-star rating and is also considered the No. 3 player in the state of Tennessee. According to the 247Sports Composite rankings, he is the 13th-best wideout in the nation.
Heupel has always emphasized the importance of keeping top in-state talent at home, and landing Wyatt would be a significant step in that direction. If he commits to Tennessee, Wyatt would give the Vols a dynamic, fast, and talented wide receiver to work with for the 2026 season and beyond.
4-Star Linebacker Rodney Colton Jr.
Rodney Colton Jr. is another recruit who recently visited Tennessee, and his recruitment has been a bit of a rollercoaster. Originally committed to South Carolina, Colton decommitted from the Gamecocks before heading to Knoxville for his visit. The linebacker is now a top target for Tennessee as he weighs his options, and while it won’t be easy for Heupel to land him, the Vols are in the mix.
Colton, ranked as the No. 11 cornerback in the nation by the 247Sports Composite, boasts a four-star rating and is a versatile defender who could contribute in a variety of ways. Several high-profile schools are after him, including Auburn, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, and LSU.
Given the competition, Tennessee will need to put together a compelling pitch, but Colton’s interest in the Vols suggests they may be in a good position to make a move in the near future. A commitment from Colton would bolster Tennessee’s defense for years to come.
5-Star Wide Receiver Tristen Keys
Perhaps the most well-known name on this list is 5-star wide receiver Tristen Keys. As one of the top players in the 2026 class, Keys is considered a future superstar, holding the No. 2 wide receiver ranking and the No. 1 overall player in Mississippi according to 247Sports.
His combination of size, speed, and playmaking ability has already earned him national attention, and it’s no surprise that Tennessee has made him a priority target.
Keys has not been shy about his interest in the Vols, and it’s clear that Tennessee is high on his list. In fact, 247Sports’ Tom Loy recently placed a “Crystal Ball” prediction in favor of Tennessee landing Keys, signaling a strong likelihood that the Vols will secure his commitment.
While schools like Alabama and Texas A&M are also in the mix, Tennessee is in a strong position to add Keys to their 2026 class. His commitment would be a huge boost for the Vols’ future receiving corps, offering them a dynamic weapon on the outside.
As spring practices near, Tennessee fans will be keeping a close eye on these recruits and any potential developments in their recruitment. With Heupel’s offense continuing to gain momentum, the Vols could soon see some of these top targets make their pledges, shaping what promises to be a talented 2026 recruiting class.
