Tennessee Vols viewed as the ‘top competition’ for highly coveted 5-star recruit that’s committed to another SEC program
The Tennessee Vols are working hard to flip a highly-coveted 2026 five-star recruit from another SEC program. Tennessee has long been viewed as one of the favorites for 2026 five-star wide receiver Tristen Keys — even after he surprisingly committed to the LSU Tigers in March. Keys, despite his commitment to the Tigers, has continued […]
The Tennessee Vols are working hard to flip a highly-coveted 2026 five-star recruit from another SEC program.
Tennessee has long been viewed as one of the favorites for 2026 five-star wide receiver Tristen Keys — even after he surprisingly committed to the LSU Tigers in March.
Keys, despite his commitment to the Tigers, has continued to visit other programs (including Tennessee) while keeping an open dialogue with various coaches.
The Mississippi native was listed by On3’s Chad Simmons this week as one of 10 recruits that’s on “flip watch”.
“We expect the playmaker out of Hattiesburg (Miss.) to take visits in the fall and we view the Vols as LSU’s top competition heading into the season,” wrote Simmons. “The dialogue remains strong with the staff in Knoxville.”
The Miami Hurricanes and the Texas A&M Aggies are also in the mix for Keys.
Keys, 6-foot-3/180 lbs, is rated by 247Sports as the No. 1 wide receiver in the nation and the No. 1 player in the state of Mississippi. He’s also rated as 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.”
There’s no clear timetable for Keys’ final decision, which could be a good thing for the Vols.
If Tennessee’s wide receivers look more dynamic on Saturdays this fall than they have the last two seasons, it could be enough to give Keys confidence that Knoxville is the right place for him.
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