Tennessee Vols have an uncommon recruiting competitor for a critical 2026 four-star target
As the flagship university and the dominant program in the state of Tennessee, the Volunteers have had the best run on the football recruiting trail over the years compared to other in-state programs. And, unsurprisingly, the Vols are high on the list of a number of 2026 in-state recruits. Among them are four-star athlete Joel […]
As the flagship university and the dominant program in the state of Tennessee, the Volunteers have had the best run on the football recruiting trail over the years compared to other in-state programs.
And, unsurprisingly, the Vols are high on the list of a number of 2026 in-state recruits. Among them are four-star athlete Joel Wyatt from Murfreesboro (Oakland), who checks in as an industry top 100 player by Rivals/On3. A slew of marquee programs have offered and been chasing the talented player from the Volunteer State, but the Vols have been projected as leaders for his services.
However, there's one school who's emerged and given the Vols a push, as per Rivals, and it's one that Tennessee doesn't usually get into a tug-of-war with over top-tier recruits – the Vanderbilt Commodores.
According to Sam Spiegelman of Rivals, "do not sleep on the Commodores in this one. Vanderbilt is recruiting Wyatt harder at this point and has more flexibility with his fit in the defensive scheme."
Tennessee has led in Wyatt's recruitment and they continue to be the heavily projected leader by Rivals/On3 at 97.8% as of Tuesday. However, Rivals noted back in June that Wyatt was down to the two in-state rivals, although an updated commitment date hasn't been revealed.
Wyatt is ranked as the #52 overall player, #4, athlete, and #2 player in the state of Tennessee per Rivals' industry rankings. He holds offers from Georgia, LSU, Oklahoma, Miami, Ole Miss, Auburn, South Carolina, and several others.
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