‘Lean, agile, and elite’ — ESPN previews how Josh Heupel’s newest weapon will fit into Tennessee’s offense

The Vols will be implementing an elite athlete into their offense next season.

Craig Smith — College Football & NFL Trending News Writer
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The Tennessee Vols’ 2026 signing class is one of the most promising that Josh Heupel has had to date. Headlined by three five stars in QB Faizon Brandon, WR Tristen Keys, and OL Gabriel Osenda, the Vols loaded up with some potential difference makers for years to come.

While Keys has gotten the vast majority of attention among the skill position players, another option could be emerging that will have the fans’ attention in short order, and it’s someone who’s been in Tennessee’s backyard for years.

Knoxville Catholic High School wide receiver Tyreek King was among the signees during the early signing period back in December, and ESPN’s Craig Haubert and Tom Luginbill see him as a fast, athletic X-factor that Heupel can deploy early on in his career, as well as in the return game.

Tennessee 2026 signee WR Tyreek King could provide early option as deep threat and return specialist

“One of the fastest players in the 2026 class, King should spark Tennessee as a slot, deep threat and return specialist,” Haubert and Luginbill wrote. “He has posted a 4.39 laser-timed 40 and a 21.5 mph max speed, numbers that match what the Vols have leaned on to stress defenses horizontally and vertically. King complements Tristen Keys but is a different type of weapon — built like DeSean Jackson: lean, agile and elite in a straight line.

“In Heupel’s up-tempo, spread passing game, where the ball is often snapped before defenses can adjust, King can take the top off the defense on choice routes and slot fades. He must get bigger and stronger to handle SEC traffic over the middle, but Tennessee needs his speed on the field early on offense and in the return game.”

Unlike Keys, King isn’t an early enrollee and participating in spring football, so he’ll be a little bit behind the curve coming into fall camp in late July.

However, sub-4.40 speed with lightning quickness is rarefied air, particularly for a young player. So even without a spring practice opportunity, Heupel and offensive coordinator Joey Halzle should be able to scheme up at least a small package of plays to get the ball in his hands early, whether that’s down the field or behind the line of scrimmage as a ballcarrier.

In any event, Vol fans should start to get excited about seeing what King can do on a football field in 2026 and beyond.

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