The Tennessee Volunteers are in the mix for one of the top playmakers in the 2026 class and, as the race for his services continues, he has given his verdict on one of the most important aspects of their program.
Tristen Keys (Hattiesburg, Miss.) is the top wide receiver and third overall player in the 2026 class, according to On3’s industry rankings.
Among Tennessee’s rivals for his commitment are the Ole Miss Rebels, USC Trojans, Alabama Crimson Tide, LSU Tigers and Miami Hurricanes.
However, the Volunteers’ position in the fight to land Keys may be helped by their situation at quarterback, of which the wideout was complimentary over the weekend.
Speaking at Overtime OT7 event in Dallas, Keys, per On3, said: “I haven’t quite found that No. 1 right now. I’d say Tennessee is going at it real hard. I’d say Tennessee is going harder than anyone else.
“Tennessee is doing a very great job. I just left there on a three-day visit. LSU is doing a great job and so is Bama. They’ve been doing a great job in recruiting me as well as Texas A&M.
Those four have been going harder than everyone else.” On Tennessee specifically, Keys highlighted their strength at quarterback, with Nico Iamaleava entering his third season with the Volunteers, who also have a commitment from Faizon Brandon, the second-ranked signal-caller in the 2026 class in On3’s industry rankings.
“I love the coaching staff,” Keys said. “They get along well. They create relationships with the kids. That’s important.
You want that position coach you can go to and not just talk ball. You can talk relations, talk life, talk on the financial side. They’re doing a great job with their players.
They got some great players over there. I got chance to hang out with them and that was my favorite part.
“They do a good job at the quarterback position. They got Faizon up there. They got Nico . They do a great job recruiting quarterbacks and you want somebody that can spin the ball when you’re a wide receiver.”
Tennessee looks poised to have strong options at quarterback for many years to come, and their long-term plan at the position could be enough to ensure their full-court press to seal Keys’ commitment is successful.