Tennessee is looking ahead to the future - and that future might just include one of the top wide receiver prospects in the 2027 class.
Dontay Tyson, a four-star pass-catcher out of Peoria High School in Arizona, has trimmed his list to eight schools, and the Vols made the cut. Joining Tennessee in Tyson’s top group are Washington, Texas, Texas A&M, USC, Arizona, Oklahoma and Miami - a who’s who of powerhouse programs vying for one of the most explosive young receivers in the country.
At 6-foot-1 and 190 pounds, Tyson brings a physical frame and fluid athleticism to the position. He’s currently ranked as the No. 32 wide receiver in the 2027 cycle and the No. 4 overall player in the state of Arizona, according to 247Sports. That kind of profile makes him a priority target for any program looking to stretch the field and add a dynamic playmaker to its offense.
Tennessee extended its offer to Tyson back on July 31, 2024, entering what’s become a highly competitive recruitment. Arizona was the first to offer, doing so a month earlier on June 27, 2024, and plenty of other major programs have followed suit.
Oregon, Florida State, Michigan, and USC are just a few of the national names in the mix, along with regional contenders like Utah and Colorado State. It’s a deep offer sheet, and it speaks to Tyson’s growing reputation as one of the most promising receivers in his class.
For Tennessee, the pursuit of Tyson fits into a broader strategy of building a strong 2027 recruiting class early. The Vols already have four commitments locked in: linebacker JP Peace, cornerback Kamauri Whitfield, offensive tackle Princeton Uwaifo, and defensive lineman Kadin Fife. That’s a solid foundation on both sides of the ball, and adding a high-upside receiver like Tyson would give the class a major boost in offensive firepower.
There’s a long road ahead in Tyson’s recruitment - he’s still got plenty of time before putting pen to paper - but Tennessee’s presence in his top eight is a clear sign that the Vols are firmly in the mix. And with their recent track record of developing skill position talent, it’s not hard to see why Knoxville could be an appealing landing spot.
Recruiting battles like this one are won with consistency, relationships, and vision. Tennessee has made its pitch. Now it’s about staying in the race as the 2027 cycle unfolds.