The recruiting world got its first major jolt of the fall on Thursday when wide receiver Tristen Keys, one of the top prospects in the 2026 class, switched his commitment from LSU to Tennessee. The news, confirmed by multiple sources, immediately reshaped both programs’ outlook for the next cycle.
Keys’ flip shakes up 2026 recruiting class
Keys, a 6-foot-3, 190-pound playmaker from Hattiesburg, Mississippi, had been pledged to the Tigers since March. But even while publicly committed, he kept the door open and took visits to Auburn, Miami, Texas A&M, and Tennessee over the summer. The Volunteers ultimately closed the deal, pulling off a huge recruiting win.
For LSU, the loss stings. This is the second straight year the Tigers have watched a five-star receiver back out, following Dakorien Moore’s decommitment in 2025. For Tennessee, it’s the type of move that signals how serious Josh Heupel’s staff is about building a long-term offensive powerhouse.
Keys now becomes the second five-star name in Tennessee’s 2026 haul, joining quarterback Faizon Brandon, who ranks inside ESPN’s top 10 nationally. Together, they headline a recruiting class that already included three other top-100 receivers: Salesi Moa, Tyreek King, and Joel Wyatt. Adding Keys puts the Vols in rare company when it comes to stockpiling elite pass catchers.
What Tennessee is getting in Keys
Keys isn’t just hype on paper. He hauled in 58 receptions for 1,275 yards and 14 touchdowns last season, carrying Hattiesburg High to the Mississippi 6A title game. His blend of size, speed, and body control made him nearly unguardable at the prep level.
MORE: Jalen Daniels, Kansas Jayhawks look to keep momentum rolling against Wagner
He also showed out against top competition earlier this year at both the Under Armour All-America Game and the Polynesian Bowl, proving he could dominate beyond his high school field.
With Brandon throwing the ball and a deep group of receivers around him, Keys could be walking into the perfect setup in Knoxville.
Why this flip matters
Recruiting battles like this are about more than one player. Tennessee has been climbing back toward SEC relevance, and pulling an elite prospect away from LSU adds fuel to that push. On the flip side, LSU now faces questions about its ability to keep hold of premier skill-position talent.
More NCAA Football News:
- Jalen Daniels, Kansas Jayhawks look to keep momentum rolling against Wagner
- Michigan State Spartans open season against hungry Broncos on Friday
- Opening night test: Miami (Ohio) meets Wisconsin under the lights
- Showdown at Arrowhead: Nebraska and Cincinnati kick off in style
- Battle for respect: Rutgers and Ohio open with conference pride at stake
- Battle in the bay: Life without Jeanty begins for Boise State in 2025