A top Tennessee Vols 2026 recruiting target is making some waves at Polynesian Bowl
Josh Heupel and the Tennessee Vols landed a big fish in the 2026 class with the commitment of top-ranked QB Faizon Brandon. They’d like to reel in a key target for him to throw the ball to, and there’s one in their sights who continues to turn heads in the offseason.
Hattiesburg, MS (Hattiesburg) wide receiver Tristen Keys has been standing out at the Polynesian Bowl All-Star Game out in Hawaii this week.
247 Sports national recruiting analyst Greg Biggins was impressed with Keys after the first day of practices ahead of the game on Friday.
“You could make a case, right now, he’s the best receiver in the 2026 (class). High level body control. Six-two, six-three frame. Fluid in the way he moves. Strong hands and body control. Catches the ball through contact. The game just looks so easy for him. Love the way he competes. Didn’t want to sit out, actually wanted to come out here and work hard. I’m a big fan of that. I love the way he plays.”
Keys is a major target for Heupel and the Vols. As in one of the biggest of the 2026 class. The five-star wideout is ranked as the #4 overall recruit in the nation, #1 wide receiver, and #1 player in the state of Mississippi by 247 Sports.
The good news is the Vols are right in the thick of things for the talented wideout’s services.
247 Sports national recruiting analyst Tom Loy made a crystal ball prediction for Tennessee to land his services back in October. Since then, the Vols have remained right in the forefront it seems, with Alabama and Texas A&M also moving into the picture.
Keys is the type of difference maker to an offense that the Vols have lacked since Jalin Hyatt graduated and is someone Tennessee will surely prioritize in 2025.
We’ll see if Heupel can keep Tennessee at the front as his stock rises and other teams surely try to work their way into the conversation.
Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Rams linebacker Byron Young (0) reacts after a sack on Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) during the first half in an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium.