4-star 2026 OL has Tennessee among his finalists with a decision coming soon

Recruiting never, and we mean never, sleeps. Need further proof of that? This week, the focus for the Tennessee football team was to put the final touches on its 2025 class with high school recruits. Things were highlighted by David Sanders Jr. announcing he wasn't flipping to Ohio State.

The transfer portal is opening up too on Dec. 9, with Tennessee looking to add players with college experience. At the same time, there will be no time to waste to keep making strides with 2026 prospects. UT already holds six verbals for '26, including 5-star QB Faizon Brandon.

Will commit No. 7 be on the way later this month? Out of Davison High in Michigan, 4-star interior offensive lineman Ben Nichols is all set to make his decision on Dec. 24, and he's down to four finalists. Will Heupel and the Vols win this recruiting battle?

2026 4-star OT Ben Nichols has Tennessee among his finalists

According to 247Sports' Allen Trieu, Nichols is down to Tennessee, Wisconsin, Notre Dame and Penn State. Someone is about to land an elite playmaker, as the 6-5, 315-pounder is ranked four stars, the No. 16 interior offensive lineman in the country and No. 3 player from Michigan.

Throughout his recruitment, Nichols has picked up 19 offers, but he trimmed things down to four programs with his decision coming on Christmas Eve. It would be a great holiday present for Heupel to see the touted target announce for Tennessee.

Tennessee already holds an IOL pledge for '26, with Brandon Anderson announcing his verbal in October. Anderson is also a 4-star prospect per the 247Sports Composite - he chose the Vols over offers from Auburn, Alabama, Florida, Georgia and plenty of other suitors. Soon enough, we'll find out if Nichols will be joining Anderson in Knoxville or not, but Tennessee is in a good spot.