In a surprising turn of events, Tennessee has lost another wide receiver. For Vols fans, it’s hard not to get flashbacks to the Legend Bey situation from just a month ago. Tennessee thought that they had a firm commitment from Oklahoma State wide receiver Gavin Freeman, but things have ultimately changed.
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Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports has reported that Gavin Freeman has decommitted from Tennessee and will now head to Baylor.
Former Oklahoma and Oklahoma State wide receiver Gavin Freeman, who’d been committed to Tennessee, has instead signed with Baylor, @chris_hummer and I have learned.
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) January 15, 2026
Has 81 career catches. pic.twitter.com/TZsGkQF23h
Gavin Freeman is now going to Baylor
This is the reality of the new age of college football. Decommitments are coming at an alarming rate across the country, and until the pen hits the paper, a commitment doesn't mean much. Dave Aranda is on the hot seat down in Waco, so he is pulling out all the tricks to have a successful 2026. Baylor is also getting Florida quarterback DJ Lagway, a talented player who has had his ups and downs.
Freeman was never expected to be a featured target in Knoxville, but he was projected to fill a valuable third- or fourth-receiver role. On top of that, he brought real value as a kick returner. With Freeman now out of the picture, Tennessee will likely be back on the hunt for another proven option to fill that void.
This has got to get Heupel furious. Tennessee likely moved on from other targets, assuming they were going to have Freeman. Tennessee will have to circle back to other targets or evaluate different players. No matter how common the decommitments are, it never gets easier.
The Vols still have a very good wide receiver room, with SEC Freshman of the Year Braylon Staley and Mike Matthews. Plus, 5-star Tristen Keys is making his way to campus next fall. He is an absolute gamer. Whoever ends up being the starting quarterback will have a great group of guys to throw to next fall.
Tennessee still has had a good Transfer Portal cycle. Josh Heupel has completely rebuilt the defense with Jim Knowles, and while it never hurts to add more talent, the offense is the least of Tennessee's worries.