Tennessee’s Top 5 Must-Have Prospects for the 2026 Recruting Class

As the Tennessee Volunteers prepare for the 2026 recruiting class, Head Coach Josh Heupel and his staff are working tirelessly to build upon the strong foundation they’ve established in recent years. Tennessee has quickly established itself as a force in the SEC, with a high-powered offense and a growing reputation for developing talent on both sides of the ball. As they aim for continued success, the Vols must focus on landing top-tier prospects who can contribute immediately and help solidify the program’s place among the elite.

The 2026 recruiting class is poised to be a crucial one for Tennessee, as it will help shape the team’s future success. The Vols are looking for players who not only excel in high school but also have the potential to make an immediate impact in the SEC. With that in mind, here are the top 5 must-have prospects for Tennessee’s 2026 recruiting class.

1. Cameron Brown (5-Star Wide Receiver)

One of the most important positions for Tennessee to address in the 2026 recruiting class is the wide receiver position. Under Josh Heupel, Tennessee has thrived with an explosive passing game, and this style of offense demands top-tier playmakers at the wide receiver position. Fortunately for the Vols, they have their sights set on Cameron Brown, a 5-star wide receiver who is widely regarded as one of the top prospects in the nation.

Cameron Brown stands out for his impressive combination of size, speed, and route-running ability. At 6’3″ and 210 pounds, he has the physicality to compete at the highest level, while his speed allows him to stretch the field and create separation. Brown has the ability to be an immediate game-changer for the Vols, especially with Tennessee’s fast-paced, high-octane offense. His ability to make plays both in the deep passing game and on shorter routes makes him a perfect fit for Heupel’s system.

Adding Brown to the Vols’ roster would provide a dynamic weapon for whoever is under center, ensuring that Tennessee continues to thrive in the air. Brown would complement the current group of wide receivers and give the Vols a potent receiving corps for years to come. His potential to become a game-changing playmaker makes him one of the most sought-after recruits in this class.

2. Trey Edwards (5-Star Offensive Tackle)

Another critical position that Tennessee must address in the 2026 recruiting class is the offensive line. While Tennessee has a strong offensive line, they need to continue to build depth and add elite talent to ensure they can protect their quarterbacks and provide running lanes for their backs. Trey Edwards, a 5-star offensive tackle, is one of the top players on Tennessee’s recruiting radar.

Trey Edwards is an imposing figure at 6’6″ and 320 pounds, and his physicality is matched by his exceptional technique and agility. Edwards is known for his ability to dominate defenders in both the run and pass game, making him one of the most well-rounded offensive linemen in the nation. His ability to shut down elite pass rushers and open up lanes for running backs will be invaluable for Tennessee’s offense, especially as they continue to focus on developing their running game to complement their high-powered passing attack.

As Heupel continues to develop Tennessee’s offense, securing Edwards would provide the Vols with an anchor on the offensive line for years to come. He would help protect whichever quarterback takes the reins in the coming seasons, ensuring that Tennessee’s offense remains effective and dangerous. The importance of adding an elite offensive lineman like Edwards cannot be overstated, and he would immediately become one of the cornerstones of Tennessee’s recruiting class.

3. Jaheim McMillan (4-Star Defensive End)

While Tennessee’s offense often steals the spotlight, the defense is equally important, and the Vols must focus on improving their defensive line in the 2026 recruiting class. Jaheim McMillan, a 4-star defensive end, is one of the top defensive recruits in the country and a must-have prospect for Tennessee.

At 6’4″ and 250 pounds, McMillan has the size and athleticism to dominate at the next level. His combination of strength, quickness, and explosiveness allows him to get after the quarterback and be disruptive in the backfield. McMillan is a versatile defensive lineman who can play both inside and outside, giving Tennessee flexibility in how they deploy him on defense. He’s known for his relentless motor and ability to finish plays, which is exactly what the Vols need to strengthen their pass rush.

Tennessee has made strides on defense in recent years, but to truly contend for an SEC title and make a push for the College Football Playoff, they need to continue improving their front seven. Adding a talent like McMillan would significantly bolster the Vols’ defense and help them become more formidable against both the pass and the run. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses would immediately elevate Tennessee’s defensive line and put them in a better position to compete in the SEC.

4. Eli Green (5-Star Quarterback)

Tennessee’s quarterback situation is always a topic of interest, especially given the Vols’ reliance on an up-tempo passing attack. While the Vols currently have Nico Iamaleava, their 5-star quarterback from the 2023 class, the 2026 recruiting cycle is the time to prepare for the future. Eli Green, a 5-star quarterback prospect from Texas, is one of the top quarterbacks in the nation and a key target for Tennessee in this class.

Eli Green is known for his strong arm, excellent pocket awareness, and ability to make all the throws necessary for a successful offense. At 6’4″ and 210 pounds, Green has the physical tools to thrive at the next level, and his leadership and football IQ are already at an advanced level for his age. He is capable of making plays both in and out of the pocket, and his ability to throw on the move makes him a perfect fit for an offense like Tennessee’s.

While Tennessee has a strong quarterback in Iamaleava, securing a talent like Green would give the Vols long-term stability at the most important position on the field. Green would have the opportunity to develop under Heupel’s system and could be the perfect successor to Iamaleava if he chooses to stay with the Vols. Adding another top-tier quarterback would ensure that Tennessee remains competitive in the SEC and that they can continue to dominate with an explosive offense.

5. Jordan Phillips (4-Star Linebacker)

Finally, Tennessee needs to continue to strengthen its linebacker corps in the 2026 recruiting class. Jordan Phillips, a 4-star linebacker from Georgia, is one of the top players at his position and a priority for the Vols. Phillips is a versatile linebacker who excels in both pass coverage and against the run, making him an all-around player who can contribute in a variety of situations.

At 6’1″ and 225 pounds, Phillips is a physical and athletic linebacker who has the ability to cover ground quickly and make plays all over the field. His ability to read the quarterback and react to plays is impressive, and he has shown the ability to make big stops in crucial moments. Tennessee has made progress in developing its defense, but Phillips would provide them with a dynamic linebacker who can lead the defense and be a key contributor for years to come.

The addition of Phillips would give Tennessee a leader in the middle of their defense, and his presence would help solidify the Vols’ linebacker corps. As Tennessee looks to compete with the best teams in the SEC, adding a top linebacker like Phillips will be essential to the team’s long-term success.