Tennessee football adds another commitment to its 2026 recruiting class, with 2026 three-star athlete Javonte Smith announcing his commitment to the Vols.
The versatile in-state athlete has the potential to do virtually anything Josh Heupel and the offensive coaching staff need him to do on Rocky Top.
Smith currently plays wide receiver for the North Side Indians and will likely come to Tennessee to play receiver as well. The Jackson, Tennessee native chose the Vols over Arkansas, Missouri, and West Virginia. Vanderbilt, Mississippi State, and Kentucky also pushed for Smith.
During Smith's official visit to Tennessee this past weekend, he shared that he had the opportunity to sit down with Heupel and discuss his potential role on Rocky Top.
"His message to me was that he would love to have me. He talked about me being an athlete," Smith said. "He thinks I am very versatile and athletic. He said he'd like to use my speed and strength and my physicality to the best. Iron sharpens iron. Meeting with him, he is very determined."
He also shared that his visit to Tennessee was an eye-opener for him and ended with Tennessee at the top of his list ahead of his commitment decision.
"[Tennessee] is at the top. I still have to take it all in and compare it and not compare it to all my other visits. Just got to make the best decision I can to put me in the best position for my life.
"It helped Tennessee's cause. They did come in late and I did bump a visit for Tennessee. This really opened my eyes, and I really enjoyed it.
It seems like Heupel and the staff made an impact on Smith. He shared that his decision was made after his official visit.
"I made my mind up after the official visit," Smith said about his commitment. "I have been there five times and it is just a different atmosphere at Tennessee. When the stadium is lit up, and the crowd is chanting, it is something you cannot forget.
"Honestly, just being there (that) weekend just made me feel at home, just made me feel way more comfortable than I've felt at the other schools. At Tennessee, it is a good, healthy, and rich environment. I am committed, and my recruitment is shut down."
Smith becomes the 18th commit of the 2026 recruiting class as Heupel and the Vols coaching staff focus on putting together a dynamic class to build around five-star quarterback Faizon Brandon. Tennessee has the No. 15 recruiting class after Smith's commitment.