The Tennessee Volunteers have had some recent challenges with their roster at wide receiver. Tennessee already has its eyes on a 2026 playmaker to bolster their offense in the future. The Vols did not see any of its receivers emerge in the 2024 season. Dont’e Thornton led the way with 661 receiving yards on 26 receptions, scoring six touchdowns.
Both Thornton and Bru McCoy are headed to the NFL draft after running out of eligibility. On top of their exits, the Volunteers have seen Squirrel White transfer to the Florida State Seminoles, while Nathan Leacock (Purdue Boilermakers) and Nate Spillman (Charlotte 49ers) also departed for new programs.
But Tennessee did hang on to a five-star recruit in Mike Matthews after he withdrew his name from the transfer portal last month, and the Volunteers could add another five-star at receiver to the mix in the 2026 college football recruiting rankings.
Tristen Keys (Hattiesburg, Miss.), the top-ranked wideout and fifth overall player in the 2026 cycle, per On3’s industry rankings, will visit with Tennessee next month. Keys told On3.com that he will visit the Volunteers on March 10.
Antwann Hill strike to Tristen Keys ties it up 21-21 late. @antwann_jr @Tkgot5 pic.twitter.com/TSosdiXOiV
— POLYNESIAN BOWL (@polynesiabowl) January 18, 2025
That is part of an extremely busy schedule for Keys, who will also visit the LSU Tigers (March 18), Texas A&M Aggies(March 29) and Michigan Wolverines (April 5). On3, which gives Keys a NIL valuation of $415,000, rates Ole Miss as the favorite to land Keys and keep him in his home state. The Rebels are given a 30.6% shot of getting Keys’ commitment, with the USC Trojans second at 20.3%.
🚨NEWS🚨 Tristen Keys, the No. 1 WR in the 2026 class, has scheduled visits to Tennessee, LSU, Texas A&M and Michigan, he tells @SWiltfong_✈️
Read: https://t.co/3jRlZ2XYQf pic.twitter.com/aro5GTLZjz
— On3 Recruits (@On3Recruits) February 23, 2025
Tennessee may, therefore, have a lot of persuading to do to give their 2026 roster a huge boost, but Keys’ visit is at least welcome news as the Vols aim to cure their ills at receiver.
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