BREAKING: 2026 four-star TE Carson Sneed Flips commitment, Chooses VOLS over Alabama, Georgia and Ohio State
Knoxville, TN – In a shocking turn of events, 2026 four-star tight end Carson Sneed has flipped his commitment from the University of Alabama to the University of Tennessee. This major recruiting coup for the Volunteers comes on the heels of a fierce battle for Sneed’s services, with the Crimson Tide, Georgia Bulldogs, and Ohio State Buckeyes all vying for his signature.
Sneed, a 6’5″, 240-pound prospect from Chattanooga, Tennessee, is widely regarded as one of the top tight ends in the 2026 recruiting class. His impressive combination of size, speed, and agility has drawn comparisons to some of the top tight ends in college football.
The Volunteers’ coaching staff, led by head coach Josh Heupel, has been relentless in their pursuit of Sneed. They hosted him on multiple visits to Knoxville, showcasing the program’s facilities, tradition, and commitment to excellence.
“Sneed’s decision is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our coaching staff,” Heupel said in a statement. “We’re thrilled to welcome Carson to the Tennessee family and look forward to seeing him make an impact on the field.”
Sneed’s commitment is a significant boost to the Volunteers’ 2026 recruiting class, which is shaping up to be one of the best in the nation. With Sneed on board, Tennessee is poised to make a major push for a national championship in the coming years.
The loss is a significant blow to Alabama’s recruiting efforts, as Sneed was considered one of the top targets for the Crimson Tide’s 2026 class. Georgia and Ohio State also made strong pushes for Sneed’s services, but ultimately came up short.
Sneed’s decision is likely to send shockwaves through the college football recruiting landscape, as top prospects and coaches alike take notice of Tennessee’s growing momentum.
As one of the top tight ends in the nation, Sneed is expected to make an immediate impact for the Volunteers. His athleticism and pass-catching ability will provide a significant boost to Tennessee’s offense, which has been one of the most explosive in the nation under Heupel’s leadership.
The Volunteers will look to build on Sneed’s commitment in the coming weeks and months, as they continue to pursue other top targets in the 2026 recruiting class. With Sneed on board, Tennessee is poised to make a major statement in the world of college football recruiting.
*What This Means for Tennessee’s Offense*
With Sneed on board, Tennessee’s offense is poised to become even more explosive. The Volunteers have already established themselves as one of the top passing offenses in the nation, and Sneed’s addition will only add to their arsenal.
Sneed’s athleticism and pass-catching ability will provide a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses, who will struggle to account for him in the open field. His size and strength will also make him a formidable blocker, allowing the Volunteers to establish a more balanced attack.
“He’s a game-changer,” said Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton. “Carson’s got the size, speed, and agility to make plays all over the field. We’re excited to have him on board and can’t wait to see what he can do.”
*The Impact on Tennessee’s Recruiting Class*
Sneed’s commitment is a major coup for Tennessee’s recruiting class, which is shaping up to be one of the best in the nation. The Volunteers have already landed several top prospects, including five-star wide receiver Caleb Odom and four-star running back Will Stallings.
With Sneed on board, Tennessee’s recruiting class is poised to make a major jump in the rankings. The Volunteers are likely to finish with a top-five class, and could potentially challenge for the number one spot.
“This is a huge win for our program,” said Tennessee recruiting coordinator Tim Banks. “Carson’s a phenomenal player, and we’re thrilled to have him on board. We’re confident that he’ll be a key contributor to our success in the years to come.”
*What’s Next for Sneed and the Volunteers*
Sneed will enroll at Tennessee in the summer and is expected to compete for a starting spot immediately. He’ll join a talented group of tight ends, including returning starter Princeton Fant and redshirt freshman Jacob Warren.
The Volunteers will open the 2026 season on September 5 against Ball State, and will face a challenging schedule that includes matchups with Alabama, Georgia, and Florida.
With Sneed on board, Tennessee is poised to make a major run in the SEC East. The Volunteers have the talent, depth, and coaching to compete with anyone in the nation, and Sneed’s addition only adds to their chances of success.
Stay tuned for further updates on Sneed and the Volunteers as the 2026 season approaches.