The Vols signed the nation’s No. 12 class (Rivals) in 2025 after posting a 10-3 season with the first College Football Playoff appearance in program history. That class tied for the highest recruiting finish in four years under Heupel’s leadership.

Looking ahead to the 2026 cycle, Tennessee is largely flying under the radar with only seven commitments to date. The group is headlined by five-star quarterback Faizon Brandon and four-star wide receiver Tyreek King.

Heupel and Co. received some good news from King, the No. 1 ranked slot receiver (Rivals), on Monday after battling off other major programs.

King (5-foot-11, 170 pounds) plays for Knoxville (Tennessee) Catholic. He hauled in 49 passes for 1,062 yards with 14 touchdowns and added a score as a punt returner as a junior last season, per MaxPreps.

Other programs threw their hats in the ring for the Tennessee commit with scholarships this year, including Florida State, USC and Texas, among others.

However, King has shut down his recruitment in favor of the Vols, reaffirming his pledge from October.

“Tennessee’s culture is something I want to be a part of,” he said via On3. “Best fit for me and knowing I’m for sure gonna develop. No place like the VOLS. BEEN HOME!!!”

The update from King aside, Tennessee is notably in the running for some of the top uncommitted players in the class

Four-star Savion Hiter, the No. 2 running back, is worth a mention. The Mineral, Virginia native is down to the Vols, Georgia, Michigan and Ohio State.

Additionally, Tennessee is among the favorites for four-star linebacker Brayden Rouse out of Marietta, Georgia. Rouse is also considering Alabama, Michigan and Texas.

Tennessee Volunteers head coach Josh Heupel and his coaching staff have received an exciting recruiting development from one of the top wide receiver prospects in the nation. The No. 1 ranked wide receiver in his class has recently provided a major update that could significantly impact Tennessee’s offensive future.

The highly-touted wide receiver, whose recruitment has been closely watched across college football, recently announced a positive update regarding his recruitment process. Sources indicate that he is strongly considering the Volunteers among his top choices, and there is growing optimism that Tennessee could land his commitment. This development has sent waves of enthusiasm through the Tennessee fanbase and coaching staff, who see this as a potential game-changer for their offensive personnel.

Josh Heupel’s high-tempo, offense-oriented system has been designed to maximize the talents of dynamic playmakers, and landing the top wide receiver in his class would be a major boost. This receiver’s skill set—combining elite speed, exceptional route-running, and reliable hands—fits perfectly into Tennessee’s offensive scheme, which emphasizes explosive plays and versatility in the passing game.

The recruitment process has reportedly been intense, with Tennessee making a strong push to secure this prospect’s commitment. The player has reportedly spoken highly of Tennessee’s offensive philosophy, coaching staff, and the opportunity to make an immediate impact in the SEC. Additionally, the program’s recent success, including bowl appearances and competitive showings in the conference, has made Tennessee an increasingly attractive destination.

This update is particularly significant given the current landscape of college football recruiting, where landing a top-ranked wide receiver can transform an offense and elevate a team’s national profile. For Tennessee, securing the commitment of the No. 1 WR would not only bolster their depth at the position but also signal their rising prominence in the recruiting rankings, especially among elite offensive talents.

While recruitment battles are ongoing and no final decision has been announced, the latest reports suggest that Tennessee is in a very strong position. The coaching staff’s efforts, combined with the player’s expressed interest and the program’s upward trajectory, make it a compelling storyline to follow in the coming weeks.

In summary, Tennessee and Josh Heupel are on the cusp of potentially adding a game-changing talent at wide receiver. The latest update indicates a promising outlook that could see the Volunteers strengthen their passing attack significantly, helping them compete at a higher level in the SEC and nationally. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as this recruitment unfolds, hopeful that Tennessee can secure one of the most coveted players in the nation.