Vols secure top talent, headlined by five-star quarterback Faizon Brandon and elite receiver Tristen Keys, fueling championship aspirations.
Tennessee football wrapped up its regular season over the weekend with a rather embarrassing loss to its in-state rival Vanderbilt.
The loss made it clear that the Vols were still very far from cementing themselves on the top side of the SEC. A time for the Vols to re-up the talent comes Wednesday when the 2026 Class Early Signing Day kicks off.
Where things stand as of Tuesday, the Vols are ranked eighth in the country according to the website 247sports. They have three five-star recruits currently committed to the program.
The Class is highlighted by a five-star quarterback and No. 2-ranked player in the nation according to 247sports Faizon Brandon.
Despite Brandon being injured for the majority of his senior season, he still shone in his limited time, displaying his ability as both a passer and a runner.
The quarterback has been committed to the Vols since late 2024, despite some ups and downs from the team, Brandon has held firm in his belief and commitment towards the school.
"It was great,” Brandon said after Tennessee’s loss to Georgia in 2024, “this is my third time being at Tennessee, and every time I go, the coaches make me feel like a priority."
Brandon is not the only five-star the Vols are projected to land on signing day; the Vols are also anticipating the signing of the No. 1 receiver, according to 247sports, Tristen Keys.
Keys and Brandon are the crown jewels of the class, with most of the chatter coming from the two of them, and for good reason. Keys has also displayed his ability despite an injury he suffered during his senior season.
Despite being committed to LSU, he flipped his decision on August 28, 2025.
"Everything has been smooth (since the flip)," Keys said. “I'm still loving it. I love Coach Heup (Josh Heupel), I love them guys."
The Final five-star, offensive tackle Gabriel Osenda out of Chattanooga, marks the second straight year the Vols have attacked the offensive tackle position and landed a top commit.
After a difficult time finally landing David Sanders Jr. last year, Osenda serves as this season’s help in the trenches.
“Coach (Josh) Heupel and the staff have the team playing hard and playing together,” Osenda said. “I see a great opportunity to learn from the best, play with great players, and to win a national championship. Tennessee is a national championship program, and it has been a great run under Coach Heupel.”
List of all commits expected to sign:
Faizon Brandon — QB — 6-3, 200 — Greensboro, NC
Tristen Keys — WR — 6-2, 180 --Hattiesburg, MS
Salesi Moa — ATH — 6-2, 175 — Ogden, UT
TJ White — LB — 6-1, 225 — Jackson, MS
Joel Wyatt — S — 6-4, 196 — Murfreesboro, TN
Gabriel Osenda — OT — 6-7, 345 — Clearwater, FL
Brayden Rouse — LB — 6-3, 205 — Marietta, GA
Kamari Blair — OT — 6-6, 280 — Clarksville, TN
Hezekiah Harris — Edge — 6-5, 230 — Huntsville, AL
Zach Groves — Edge — 6-4, 240 — Cross Plains, TN
Zaydyn Anderson — CB — 6-1, 170 — Greeneville, TN
Dereon Albert — DL — 6-1 , 305 — Jackson, MS
Darryl Rivers — DL — 6-4, 270 — Powder Springs, GA
Javonte Smith — CB — 6-0, 175 — Jackson, TN
Kedric Golston II — EDGE — 6-2, 220 — Ashburn, VA
Edward Baker — IOL — 6-4, 335 — Baltimore, MD
Luke Thompson — S — 6-0, 176 — Franklin, TN
KJ McClain — S — 5-11, 165 — Montvale, NJ
CJ Edwards — EDGE — 6-3, 215 — Metuchen, NJ
Jamyan Theodore — CB — 6-0, 171 — Chattanooga, TN
NicQuayvion Simmons — DL — 6-3, 310 — Columbus, GA
Tyreek King— WR— 5-10, 168 — Knoxville, Tennessee
Luca Wolf — TE — 6-5, 246 — London, EN (NFL Academy)
Jowell Combay— S— 6-1, 192 — Marietta, GA