Tennessee's blowout loss to Ohio State makes it clear that one 2026 recruit is a 'must-get' for the Vols
The Tennessee Vols were outplayed in almost every facet of the game in their 42-17 loss to the Ohio State Buckeyes in the first round of the College Football Playoff. Ohio State won in the trenches on both sides of the ball, and the Buckeyes' wide receivers were dominant against Tennessee's secondary. The performance from […]
The Tennessee Vols were outplayed in almost every facet of the game in their 42-17 loss to the Ohio State Buckeyes in the first round of the College Football Playoff.
Ohio State won in the trenches on both sides of the ball, and the Buckeyes' wide receivers were dominant against Tennessee's secondary.
The performance from Ohio State's wide receivers was particularly concerning for Tennessee fans. The Vols entered the 2024 season with what was believed to be one of the deepest wide receiver rooms in the nation. But by the time the playoff rolled around, much of that depth was gone (thanks to injuries and the NCAA transfer portal). And it was quite obvious that Ohio State had a major talent advantage at the wide receiver position.
Buckeyes true freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, the No. 1 wide receiver in the 2024 recruiting class, put on a clinic against the Vols, catching six passes for 103 yards and two touchdowns in the win against Tennessee.
Moving forward, wide receiver is a position where the Vols have to be better if they're going to advance past the first round of the playoff. Which is why it's imperative that Tennessee lands a commitment from 2026 five-star wide receiver Tristen Keys.
Keys, 6-foot-2/175 lbs from Hattiesburg, MS, is rated by 247Sports as the No. 1 wide receiver in the nation and the No. 4 overall player in the 2026 recruiting class.
Scouting report via 247Sports: A potential game-wrecker on the outside that can attack all three levels and constantly challenge defenses. Pairs elite ball skills together with dynamic route running, superior athleticism and a long-levered frame. Creates separation with his suddenness and will break off defensive backs with snappy cuts. Attacks the football with confidence and has a rather high success rate in contested-catch situations, usually creating an advantage with his natural bounce. Competitive with the ball in his hands and can hit the throttle to capitalize on his catch-and-run opportunities. Shined on the offseason circuit at multiple events the summer after sophomore year before assembling elite junior tape for a Hattiesburg squad that went undefeated during the regular season. Might not ever be classified as a true burner, but has the skill set to emerge as a playmaker and trusted option on the perimeter for a College Football Playoff contender given the combination of size, fluidity and coordination.
Keys, who took visits to Tennessee this season for the Vols' wins against Florida and Kentucky, is the type of talent that could make a big impact as a true freshman. He has good size, elite ball skills, he competes at a high level, and he has good speed and separation skills. Essentially, he has everything that you look for in a first round talent.
247Sports' Tom Loy recently made a "crystal ball prediction" for the Vols to land Keys.
Loy noted that Keys has a good relationship with 2026 five-star quarterback Faizon Brandon, a player that's been committed to Tennessee since August.
The Vols appear to be the team to beat (for now) for Keys. This is a recruiting battle, however, that they can't let slip away. If Tennessee is going to put a team on the field that can compete with the talent of a team like Ohio State, then landing Keys is an absolute must for the Volunteers.
ESPN’s Greg McElroy points out what he thinks was Tennessee’s biggest issue in playoff loss to Ohio State
It wasn’t a good night for the Vols
