Legend Bey Flips Again: Four-Star 2026 Athlete Returns to Ohio State After Brief Tennessee Detour
In one of the more dramatic recruiting twists of the Early Signing Period, four-star athlete Legend Bey is officially headed back to Ohio State-just weeks after flipping to Tennessee and signing with the Vols.
Bey, a dynamic Class of 2026 prospect out of North Forney High School in Texas, had Vols fans buzzing when he surprisingly flipped from Ohio State to Tennessee on Early Signing Day. But the celebration in Knoxville was short-lived.
Less than two weeks after putting pen to paper with Tennessee, Bey requested and was granted a release from his National Letter of Intent. A Tennessee team spokesman confirmed the move, and Bey later announced that he would, in fact, be signing with the Buckeyes.
Let’s unpack what happened.
A Tug-of-War Decision
Bey’s recruitment has been anything but straightforward. The 5-foot-10.5, 175-pound athlete-ranked No. 149 nationally and the No. 7 athlete in the 2026 class by 247Sports-has been a hot commodity on the recruiting trail. He’s drawn more than 35 scholarship offers and has been pursued as a wide receiver despite playing quarterback at the high school level.
His initial commitment came back in late June, when he chose Tennessee over Texas A&M. At the time, Bey spoke highly of Vols head coach Josh Heupel and the offensive system in Knoxville, praising the staff’s honesty and the fit he saw for his skill set. He remained committed to Tennessee for over four months before flipping to Ohio State on November 10.
That’s when things got complicated.
Sources say Bey and his mother were split on where he should play. While Bey leaned toward Ohio State, his mother preferred Tennessee.
Since Bey was just 17 at the time of signing, he needed his mother’s consent to make it official. That disagreement led to him signing with Tennessee on Early Signing Day, despite his personal preference for the Buckeyes.
Now, with the dust finally settling, Bey is going where he originally intended-Columbus.
A Big Loss for Tennessee, A Big Win for Ohio State
For Tennessee, this is a tough blow. Bey was one of the most exciting names in their 2026 class, and Heupel didn’t hide his excitement about getting him back into the fold. Just a day after Signing Day, Heupel went on “The Mike Keith Show” and called Bey “a dynamic playmaker,” praising his versatility and the unique skill set he brings to the field.
“Really excited to have that tool,” Heupel said at the time, noting Bey’s ability to impact the game in multiple ways.
That impact, however, will now be felt in the Big Ten, not the SEC.
What Ohio State Is Getting
Ohio State is re-landing a high-upside athlete who brings a quarterback’s vision and instincts to the wide receiver position. Bey’s agility, field awareness, and explosiveness make him a versatile weapon in any offensive system. While he’s been recruited primarily as a receiver, his background under center gives him a unique edge-he understands spacing, timing, and how to manipulate defenses.
He’s also battle-tested. Coming out of Texas, one of the most competitive high school football states in the country, Bey has faced elite competition and thrived. His ranking as the No. 21 senior in Texas and a four-star grade in the 247Sports Composite (No. 175 overall, No. 9 athlete) underscores just how highly regarded he is nationally.
Final Thoughts
Recruiting drama is nothing new, but Bey’s flip-flop-flip is a reminder of just how fluid-and personal-the process can be. At 17, with family dynamics playing a major role, decisions aren’t always cut and dry. In the end, the player is heading where he feels most comfortable, and for Bey, that’s Ohio State.
For Tennessee, it’s back to the drawing board. For the Buckeyes, it’s a major win-and one that could pay dividends for years to come.