With the Tennessee Vols 2027 recruiting almost in full swing, the final 2026 rankings are coming out with the late signing day approaching. The Vols have the eighth-ranked class in 2026 with three five-stars in the final rankings according to 247Sports.
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Faizon Brandon is the highest-rated Vol, ranked No. 3 in the nation, dropping one spot in the latest update. The Grennesborogh, North Carolina signal-caller has a chance to start from day one if Joey Agular doesn't end up getting another year of eligibility. He is a true dual-threat quarterback who is smart with the football and can make all the throws needed to be a starter in Heupel's offense.
Good news for Brandon is that he will be throwing to the No. 1 wide receiver in the class of 2026, as Tristen Keys was given the honor of the top wideout. Keys is the No. 12 overall player in the class despite missing a lot of his senior year with a knee injury. Keys is an elite contested catch guy at 6-foot-2, 195 pounds, and can generate yards after the catch with his speed. Pairing him with Braylon Staley is a deadly combo for the Vols.
Finally, 6-foot-7, 330-pound tackle Gabriel Osenda was slotted at No. 27 overall and the No. 2 player in Tennessee. The Baylor School tackle will be a mauler in the run game and also be able to protect the quarterback when pass blocking. He's a massive add, figuratively and literally, for the Vols as recruiting the trenches is a top priority for Tennessee.
What does this mean moving forward for Tennessee?
The Vols have a very bright future with this class. It's the best class that Heupel has signed since arriving in Knoxville, and the offensive firepower he's brought in looks to be elite. There are no signs of the offense slowing down, and with the addition of Jim Knowles to revamp the defense, Tennessee looks to be in a great spot.
As we know, the SEC is a difficult conference, and it won't come easily, but you have to feel confident in how well Josh Heupel has recruited high school and portal talent. The 2026 season is a long way away, and in some ways it's a make-or-break season for Heupel, but he has the foundation to be very successful moving forward.