
The Tennessee Volunteers are making significant strides in securing top-tier talent for their future rosters, particularly focusing on elite in-state wide receivers. A notable development is the commitment of four-star wide receiver Tyreek King from Knoxville Catholic High School.
King, standing at 5-foot-10 and weighing 165 pounds, is ranked 120th nationally in the 2026 recruiting class and is the No. 3 prospect in Tennessee. He chose the Vols over prestigious programs such as Alabama, Auburn, and Michigan, citing a strong connection with Tennessee’s coaching staff and the program’s atmosphere.
King’s commitment is a testament to the relentless efforts of head coach Josh Heupel and wide receivers coach Kelsey Pope. King expressed his confidence in the coaching staff’s ability to develop players and their dedication to winning, stating, “Coach Heupel is a dominant coach that will do anything to win. He cares [about] his players, players want to play for him, and we have top recruits coming in.”
In addition to King, the Vols have secured commitments from other promising prospects. Three-star wide receiver Tyran Evans from William Amos Hough High School in North Carolina has pledged to join Tennessee’s 2026 class. Evans, standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 170 pounds, had an impressive junior season, recording 36 receptions for 980 yards and 14 touchdowns. He chose Tennessee over offers from South Carolina, Florida State, and Miami, among others, highlighting the Vols’ growing appeal beyond state lines.
The Vols’ recruiting momentum doesn’t stop there. Five-star athlete Mike Matthews from Parkview High School in Georgia has also committed to Tennessee. Matthews, a versatile player excelling in football, basketball, and track, is ranked No. 5 overall by ESPN. His commitment marks a significant achievement for Tennessee, as he is the program’s first five-star commit since 2019.
These commitments reflect a broader trend of Tennessee successfully attracting top talent under Coach Heupel’s leadership. The Vols’ 2026 recruiting class is shaping up to be formidable, with a strong emphasis on offensive playmakers. The addition of elite wide receivers like King and Evans, alongside a dynamic athlete like Matthews, positions Tennessee to enhance its offensive capabilities significantly in the coming years.
The focus on in-state talent, particularly from Knoxville, underscores the importance of building strong local recruiting pipelines. King’s decision to stay home and play for the Vols resonates with fans and highlights the program’s ability to retain top prospects within Tennessee. His frequent visits to the campus and the relationships he has built with the coaching staff played pivotal roles in his commitment, demonstrating the impact of personalized recruitment efforts.
As the Vols continue to build their future rosters, the emphasis on securing elite wide receivers indicates a strategic focus on enhancing the team’s offensive prowess. With Coach Heupel at the helm, known for his offensive acumen, Tennessee is poised to develop these young talents into impactful players on the collegiate stage. The anticipation surrounding these recruits adds excitement for fans, who eagerly await the contributions these players will bring to the program in the coming seasons.