Vols’ 2026 commits include top-ranked QB Faizon Brandon and TE Kendre Harrison, with multiple other targets ranked in Top247.
As the recruiting landscape heats up for the 2026 class, the Tennessee Volunteers are making an aggressive push to secure elite talent, and the updated 247Sports Top247 rankings reflect just how well they’re doing. Under head coach Josh Heupel, Tennessee has built serious recruiting momentum, and their early returns for the 2026 cycle are eye-catching. From five-star quarterbacks to elite tight ends, the Vols’ class is shaping up to be one of the best in the nation.
Let’s take a detailed look at Tennessee’s current 2026 commits and where they stand in the updated Top247 rankings, along with the top uncommitted prospects the Vols are actively pursuing.
Top Commits for the 2026 Class
1. Faizon Brandon – Quarterback (Greensboro, NC)
- Top247 Ranking: No. 1 overall
- Position: Quarterback (Dual Threat)
- Stars: 5-star
The crown jewel of Tennessee’s 2026 class so far is quarterback Faizon Brandon, the No. 1 overall player in the country. A dynamic athlete with both a strong arm and the ability to create outside the pocket, Brandon is the type of player who can transform an offense. His commitment is a massive win for Josh Heupel, particularly considering the level of competition from SEC and national powers.
Brandon’s skill set fits perfectly with Heupel’s uptempo, quarterback-friendly offense. His deep-ball accuracy, pocket awareness, and leadership qualities have drawn comparisons to some of the best QBs in college football. His commitment is not just symbolic—he’s a legitimate cornerstone around whom Tennessee can build its 2026 class and offensive identity for years to come.
2. Kendre Harrison – Tight End (Reidsville, NC)
- Top247 Ranking: Top 5 nationally
- Stars: 5-star
Tight ends with Harrison’s physical gifts are rare. At 6-foot-7 with a basketball background, Harrison brings elite athleticism, size, and hands to the position. He’s a true mismatch nightmare, capable of lining up in-line, in the slot, or even split out wide.
His presence in the class gives Tennessee an elite red-zone threat and a playmaker who can stretch the field. With Brandon and Harrison on board, Tennessee has one of the most dangerous QB-TE combos in the 2026 recruiting class already locked in.
3. Jackson Cantwell – Offensive Tackle (Nixa, MO)
- Top247 Ranking: Top 10 overall
- Stars: 5-star
Cantwell is a powerful offensive lineman with a huge frame, elite footwork, and technical polish beyond his years. At over 6-foot-7, he projects as a future left tackle with NFL upside. For Tennessee, securing a player of Cantwell’s caliber is critical to protecting their investment in Brandon.
He’s exactly the kind of tackle Heupel’s staff has been targeting—long, athletic, and mobile enough to block in space. Offensive line recruiting is the foundation of any successful program, and Cantwell is a foundational piece.
4. Tyler Atkinson – Linebacker (Loganville, GA)
- Top247 Ranking: Top 25 nationally
- Stars: 5-star
Atkinson brings elite speed and sideline-to-sideline range to Tennessee’s defense. A former safety, he has the coverage skills to be a three-down linebacker in the SEC. His instincts and explosiveness make him one of the top defensive players in the 2026 class.
His commitment signals Tennessee’s intent to reload defensively with elite athletes who can hang with the high-powered offenses of today’s game. He’s also a vocal leader and could serve as the centerpiece of the Vols’ defensive identity.
5. Savion Hiter – Running Back (Woodberry Forest, VA)
- Top247 Ranking: Top 30 nationally
- Stars: 5-star
Hiter is a dynamic playmaker out of the backfield. His burst, vision, and ability to contribute in the passing game make him one of the most complete backs in the 2026 class. Tennessee has done well in recent years with versatile backs, and Hiter fits the mold perfectly.
He provides a reliable option who can carry the workload or complement other backs in a rotation. Heupel’s offense thrives with backs who can hit the hole fast and catch passes out of the backfield, and Hiter offers both.
6. Helaman Casuga – Quarterback (Provo, UT)
- Top247 Ranking: Top 70 nationally
- Stars: 4-star
Having already secured Brandon, Tennessee’s decision to bring in a second quarterback in Casuga signals strategic depth planning. Casuga is a strong passer with good mobility and could thrive in a developmental role. It also speaks to the culture being built in Knoxville—top talent wants to be part of the QB room.
If Brandon becomes the immediate star, Casuga has the potential to wait, develop, and become a valuable contributor down the line.
7. Carson Sneed – Tight End (Nashville, TN)
- Top247 Ranking: Top 100 nationally
- Stars: 4-star
Sneed is a local product and a rock-solid tight end prospect. While Harrison brings star power, Sneed adds depth, physicality, and blocking ability. The two could easily form a two-TE package that gives Tennessee a distinct physical advantage.
He represents Tennessee’s commitment to building from within the state and securing in-state talent that could otherwise be poached by national programs.
8. Rodney Colton Jr. – Linebacker (Newnan, GA)
- Top247 Ranking: Top 100 nationally
- Stars: 4-star
Colton is a thumper in the middle with great instincts and tackling ability. He brings toughness to the linebacker room and pairs well with Atkinson, giving Tennessee a strong one-two punch in the second level of their defense. The Vols are putting together a linebacker unit with speed and size—Colton adds the physical edge.
Top Tennessee Targets in the Updated Top247
1. Jared Curtis – Quarterback (Nashville, TN)
- Top247 Ranking: Top 5 nationally
- Stars: 5-star
Though Tennessee already has Brandon and Casuga, Curtis remains a top target—especially as an in-state prospect. Landing three elite QBs in one class is unlikely, but Tennessee has remained in close contact with Curtis. He may ultimately choose a different route, but his recruitment is worth watching.
2. Tristen Keys – Wide Receiver
- Top247 Ranking: Top 10 nationally
- Stars: 5-star
Keys is the kind of explosive wideout Tennessee would love to add to this class. With Brandon committed, wide receivers know they’ll be playing with a top-tier QB, which is a major draw. Keys has game-breaking speed and is lethal in space, making him one of the top uncommitted offensive weapons in the class.
3. Brandon Lockhart – Cornerback
- Top247 Ranking: Top 10 nationally
- Stars: 5-star
Lockhart is a tall, long corner who can play press or off coverage. He’s physical, fast, and has the potential to be a shutdown defender at the next level. Tennessee needs more elite cover corners to compete with the high-flying passing attacks in the SEC, and Lockhart is a major priority.
4. Rodney Dunham – EDGE
- Top247 Ranking: Top 10 nationally
- Stars: 5-star
Dunham is a fierce pass rusher with elite quickness and bend off the edge. He’s high on Tennessee’s board and has reportedly developed strong relationships with the coaching staff. Adding Dunham would give Tennessee a truly elite defensive line group.
5. Damien Shanklin – EDGE
- Top247 Ranking: Top 15 nationally
- Stars: 5-star
Another elite edge rusher on Tennessee’s radar, Shanklin brings high motor, speed, and power. He and Dunham are similar players, and Tennessee is going hard after both in hopes of landing at least one game-changing edge rusher.
6. Tyler Redmond – Defensive Back
- Top247 Ranking: Top 20 nationally
- Stars: 5-star
Redmond is another elite defensive back with SEC speed and instincts. He’s been on Tennessee’s radar for some time and would give the Vols much-needed depth and athleticism in the secondary.
Final Thoughts: A Championship-Caliber Class in the Making
It’s still early in the 2026 cycle, but Tennessee is building a class with the potential to finish in the top three nationally. With a five-star quarterback in Faizon Brandon, an elite tight end in Kendre Harrison, and a mix of offensive and defensive stars, the Vols are putting together the kind of recruiting haul that can redefine a program’s future.
Equally important, Tennessee is doing a great job balancing star power with depth. They’re not just chasing flashy names—they’re assembling a roster of future starters and leaders.
Josh Heupel’s staff deserves
