Tennessee Vols receive positive news on key 5-star recruiting target’s visit to Rocky Top
The Tennessee Vols hosted one of the most highly sought-after recruits in the nation on a visit this past weekend.
2026 five-star wide receiver Tristen Keys was in Knoxville over the weekend (and into Monday) for a key unofficial visit.
Keys, 6-foot-3/180 lbs from Hattiesburg, MS, is rated in 247Sports’ composite rankings as the No. 1 wide receiver in the nation and the No. 5 overall player in the 2026 recruiting class.
According to On3’s Steve Wiltfong, Keys’ visit with Tennessee went smooth.
“Keys got a lot of time with coaches and players,” wrote Wiltfong on Monday. “He also got to hang out with Tennessee commits Faizon Brandon, Tyreek King and Carson Sneed. Key’s mom likes the Vols, too. A source says it’s been a good visit.”
Wiltfong also noted that the Vols “remain one of the front-runners if not the favorite” for Keys. There’s still a long way to go in this recruiting battle — official visits later this spring/summer will be key (no pun intended) — but the Volunteers have certainly put themselves in a nice position for the top wide receiver in the nation.
The Tennessee Volunteers football program has recently received encouraging news regarding their pursuit of a highly coveted five-star recruit. This development not only bolsters Tennessee’s recruiting efforts but also signifies the program’s continued commitment to attracting top-tier talent.
Recruitment of Faizon Brandon
One of the most significant additions to Tennessee’s recruiting class is quarterback Faizon Brandon. Brandon, a native of Greensboro, North Carolina, has been a standout performer throughout his high school career at Grimsley High School. In his junior year (2024), he led his team to a state championship, passing for 2,814 yards with 35 touchdowns and only two interceptions. His exceptional performance earned him the North Carolina Gatorade Football Player of the Year and North Carolina Mr. Football honors. Recognized as the consensus top quarterback and one of the premier recruits in the 2026 class, Brandon committed to the University of Tennessee, choosing the Volunteers over other prominent programs, including Alabama.
Impact on Tennessee’s Program
Brandon’s commitment is a testament to the Volunteers’ growing prominence in college football recruiting. Securing a player of his caliber is expected to have a profound impact on Tennessee’s offensive strategy and overall team dynamics in the coming years.
Ongoing Recruitment Efforts
Beyond Brandon, Tennessee continues to be active in the recruiting landscape. The program has shown interest in several other five-star prospects, including offensive tackle Immanuel Iheanacho. Iheanacho, standing at 6’6″ and weighing 345 pounds, is a top recruit in the 2026 class. He has received offers from numerous schools, with Oregon and Georgia currently trending as his primary interests. Iheanacho has expressed plans to visit Tennessee, among other institutions, as he evaluates his options.
The positive developments in Tennessee’s recruitment, particularly the commitment of Faizon Brandon, highlight the program’s strategic focus on building a competitive and dynamic team. As these young talents integrate into the Volunteers’ system, they are expected to contribute significantly to the team’s success in the forthcoming seasons.