Tennessee football lands two players on On3's way-too-early top 100 for 2026 Season

Tennessee has two players in On3’s way-too-early Top 100 college football players for the 2026 season. See how the Vols’ young talent is shaping up.

Conner Linsner

Nov 1, 2025; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Braylon Staley (14) and offensive lineman Jesse Perry (72) celebrate a touchdown against the Oklahoma Sooners during the first quarter at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images / Randy Sartin-Imagn Images

Josh Heupel has completely overhauled Tennessee’s roster this offseason, with a particular focus on reshaping the defense. The Vols have high expectations in 2026 following a step back last year, winning only eight games. The buzz around Tennessee’s 2026 roster is already building.

Tennessee football has two players in Mel Kiper Jr's latest round one mock draft

On3 has released its way-too-early Top 100 college football players for the 2026 season, and it features two Tennessee Vols. One of the new additions to the defense, edge rusher Chaz Coleman, came in at No. 53 on the list. SEC Freshman of the Year Braylon Staley came in at No. 99

Tennessee has multiple Top 100 players on the roster

Chaz Coleman is coming in just outside the top 50 carries weight. Someone who is as young as Coleman getting this kind of recognition is a game-changer. Tennessee has needed a game wrecker who can get to the quarterback, but also make plays in the run game. Time and time again, we saw an undisciplined and inconsistent defensive line play from Tennessee, and Coleman can help put an end to that. Coleman might have a slight adjustment period, as he's only a true sophomore, but the raw talent is there.

Braylon Staley was one of the most electric playmakers in the country in 2025. There was a reason he won SEC Freshman of the Year, he was truly that good. While it remains unclear who Tennessee's quarterback will be next fall, having Staley as a main target will make their life much easier.

The one Vol who may feel slighted for not being on the list is Second Team All-SEC tailback DeSean Bishop. One could argue that he had a better season than Mark Fletcher Jr., Jordan Marshall, and Antwan Raymond, who all made the list.

Nonetheless, with both Coleman and Staley on the list, Tennessee's youth is really starting to break through. Both will be sophomores next season, and it wouldn’t be surprising if other young Vols Edwin Spillman, Ty Redmond, or a 2026 signee like Tristen Keys, break into the list next year

Knoxville’s future is glowing with young talent.

Conner Linsner

Conner is the Site Expert at All for Tennessee, covering Tennessee Volunteers athletics. He has been covering college and professional sports on various FanSided sites since 2020. After graduating from Wayne State University in 2024, he decided his passion for collegiate and professional athletics had driven him to work in sports media. Conner has been to over half of the Major League Baseball stadiums with his father and plans to hit every single ballpark in the majors. Conner's work has also been featured on Sports Illustrated.