Tennessee Vols have reportedly emerged as one of the front-runners for a massive 2026 4-star defensive lineman
The Tennessee Vols have reportedly emerged as one of two "front-runners" for a massive 2026 four-star defensive linemen. Rivals.com national recruiting director Adam Gorney noted this week that Tennessee and Mississippi State are the two teams expected to "battle it out" for 2026 four-star defensive lineman Dereon Albert Gorney also pointed out that Albert is […]
The Tennessee Vols have reportedly emerged as one of two "front-runners" for a massive 2026 four-star defensive linemen.
Rivals.com national recruiting director Adam Gorney noted this week that Tennessee and Mississippi State are the two teams expected to "battle it out" for 2026 four-star defensive lineman Dereon Albert
Gorney also pointed out that Albert is expected to announce his commitment on July 18.
"Albert was supposed to visit Arkansas this past weekend but that trip was canceled as two main programs have emerged as the front-runners," wrote Gorney. "Tennessee and Mississippi State should battle it out for the four-star defensive tackle from Jackson (Miss.) Jackson Academy."
Albert, 6-foot-2/305 lbs from Jackson, Ms., is rated by 247Sports as the No. 28 defensive lineman in the nation and the No. 8 player in the state of Mississippi. He's also rated as the No. 184 overall player in the 2026 recruiting class.
Scouting report via 247Sports: 3-4 interior defensive lineman that shows the ability to win with a bevy of different pass rush options at the point of attack, including twitch, athleticism and power. Estimated at a shade under 6-foot-2 and just north of 300-pounds, Albert’s unique blend of athletic traits and stout frame makes him a difficult assignment for opposing offensive linemen on a down-to-down basis. Although he has a tendency to play a tad high off the line of scrimmage, the Magnolia State native demonstrates impressive first step quickness in addition to active hands that help him create consistent leverage and overcompensate against bigger and girthier blockers. The Jackson Academy standout also exhibits excellent pad level, using his compact and powerful frame to his advantage, showing the ability to unlock and explode out of his hips to help him create persistent penetration in the run game. Projects as a high level impact starter at the Power Four level that possesses the size, physical tools and technical refinement to add immediate dividends to his program on Saturdays.
Albert is set to take an official visit to Tennessee this weekend (June 13). He'll follow that trip up with an official visit to Mississippi State next week.
Those two official visits will likely determine who wins the battle for the talented four-star recruit.
