Tennessee Football Welcomes 18 Early Enrollees from 2026 Class to Rocky Top
It may have been a cold January day in Knoxville, but things are heating up on Rocky Top as Tennessee Football officially welcomed 18 early enrollees from its 2026 signing class to campus. The Vols are wasting no time building toward the future, and Thursday marked a key step in that process, as several highly touted prospects began their college careers.
Among the early arrivals were some of the biggest names in the class, including five-star quarterback Faizon Brandon and elite wide receiver TK Keys. These two headline a group that blends star power with depth - a mix that could pay dividends for Tennessee in the near future.
Star Power Arrives on Campus
The Vols gave fans a first look at their future stars on Thursday, sharing photos of nine early enrollees as they touched down in Knoxville. It’s not just about the optics - these are players expected to make an impact.
- Faizon Brandon, the five-star signal-caller out of Greensboro, North Carolina, is the crown jewel of this class. With offers from LSU, Alabama, and NC State, Brandon chose Tennessee, giving the Vols a potential game-changer under center. His blend of arm talent, poise, and athleticism has drawn comparisons to some of the top dual-threat QBs in recent memory.
- TK Keys, the electric wideout from Hattiesburg, Mississippi, flipped from LSU and brings top-tier explosiveness to the receiver room. Ranked as high as the No. 1 receiver in the country by ESPN, Keys is the kind of weapon who can stretch defenses vertically and create mismatches from Day 1.
Also featured in Tennessee’s early arrival group were:
- CJ Edwards, a disruptive EDGE rusher with the frame and first step to develop into a pass-rushing force.
- Kedric Golston II, a versatile defensive lineman who brings a strong motor and positional flexibility.
- Zay Anderson and Javonte Smith, two corners who add length and speed to the secondary.
- KJ McClain, a physical safety out of New Jersey.
- Jordan Carter, a stout presence on the defensive interior.
- Edward Baker, an interior offensive lineman from Baltimore who adds depth and toughness to the trenches.
Still Incoming: Polynesian Bowl Participants
Not all of Tennessee’s early enrollees made it to campus just yet. Offensive lineman Gabriel Osenda and linebacker Brayden Rouse are still wrapping up their week at the Polynesian Bowl, but both are expected to join the team shortly. Osenda, a five-star tackle by 247Sports, and Rouse, a top-10 linebacker across all major recruiting services, are two of the more physically ready prospects in the class.
Full List of Early Enrollees
Here’s a breakdown of the full group of early enrollees - a mix of blue-chip talent and high-upside prospects from across the country (and beyond):
- Gabriel Osenda (OT, Clearwater, FL via Baylor School): A consensus top-25 player and one of the most coveted tackles in the class. Chose Tennessee over Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina.
- Edward Baker (IOL, Baltimore, MD): A tough, technically sound interior lineman who turned down Ole Miss and Arkansas to head to Knoxville.
- KJ McClain (S, West Orange, NJ): A steady, instinctive safety who beat out Michigan State for his commitment.
- Jowell Combay (S, Marietta, GA): Another solid addition to the secondary, Combay held offers from Georgia, Missouri, and Wisconsin.
- Brayden Rouse (LB, Marietta, GA): A top-10 linebacker nationally who chose Tennessee over Texas, Alabama, and Michigan.
- Logan Foley (P, Melbourne, Australia): The lone specialist in the group, Foley brings international flair and a big leg to the Vols’ special teams unit.
- Zach Groves (EDGE, Nashville, TN): A local product and four-star edge rusher who turned down USC and Ole Miss.
- Faizon Brandon (QB, Greensboro, NC): The centerpiece of the class and one of the top quarterbacks in the country.
- Jamyan Theodore (CB, Chattanooga, TN): A three-star cornerback who brings length and physicality.
- Hezekiah Harris (EDGE, Huntsville, AL): A high-upside edge rusher who flipped from Auburn.
- Luke Thompson (S, Franklin, TN): A smart, hard-hitting safety who adds depth to the back end.
- Tristen Keys (WR, Hattiesburg, MS): A top-10 national player and elite receiver who flipped from LSU.
- Luca Wolf (TE, Austria via NFL Global Academy): A unique international prospect with size and athleticism. Previously committed to Cal.
- Joel Wyatt (DB, Murfreesboro, TN): A four-star athlete who could play multiple roles in the secondary.
- Darryl Rivers (DL, Powder Springs, GA): A three-star lineman who brings size and strength to the defensive front.
- Kamari Blair (OT, Clarksville, TN): A four-star tackle who flipped from South Carolina.
- Kedric Golston II (DL, Ashburn, VA): A physical defensive lineman with a strong pedigree and SEC-ready frame.
- TJ White (LB, Jackson, MS): A top-five inside linebacker nationally who chose the Vols over Florida State and Auburn.
What It Means for Tennessee
This early enrollee group isn’t just about numbers - it’s about setting the tone for the next era of Tennessee football. With multiple five-stars, several SEC-ready defenders, and a quarterback-receiver duo that could define the offense for years to come, the Vols are making a clear statement: they’re not just recruiting talent - they’re building a foundation.
Getting these players on campus early is a major win for player development and team chemistry. It gives them a head start in the weight room, the playbook, and the locker room - all crucial pieces in today’s college football landscape.
The road to SEC contention is never easy, but with this 2026 group, Tennessee is stacking the kind of talent and depth that championship programs are built on. And if Thursday was any indication, the future on Rocky Top is looking bright.