The Legend Bey story just took another turn - and this one might be the most telling yet.
For those just catching up, Legend Bey is a 4-star wide receiver out of Forney, Texas. A dynamic playmaker with serious upside, Bey was originally committed to Ohio State.
But on signing day, in a twist that caught plenty of attention, he flipped to Tennessee - all while wearing Buckeyes gear. Then things got even messier.
Shortly after signing, Bey posted (and quickly deleted) a message on social media claiming that he didn’t actually want to sign with the Vols - and that it was his mother who made the final call. That post sparked a whirlwind of rumors, including talk that his mother may have met with Tennessee coaches before signing day and even allegations that his signature was forged. Meanwhile, Bey was still showing up in Ohio State gear during workouts, adding fuel to the fire.
Now, the latest development: According to Sam Spiegelman of Rivals on The Inside Scoop podcast, Bey has officially requested a release from his National Letter of Intent with Tennessee.
If that release is granted - and all signs point in that direction - Bey could be headed back to Columbus to join the Buckeyes after all.
From Tennessee’s perspective, this is a tough blow on paper. Bey has real talent.
He’s electric in space, a yards-after-catch monster, and the kind of receiver who can take the top off a defense. You don’t want to lose players like that, especially after thinking you had them locked in.
But here’s the thing: Tennessee’s wide receiver room is still in a great spot. Josh Heupel’s offense has been a launching pad for receivers since he arrived in Knoxville.
It’s a system that spreads the field, gets guys open, and lets them shine. And it’s already proven - multiple Vols wideouts have made the jump to the NFL in recent years.
The future of that room still looks bright. Tristen Keys, a 5-star receiver, is coming in without the drama.
Tyreek King, a 4-star athlete and borderline top-100 prospect in the 2026 class, brings explosive speed and versatility. And let’s not forget Braylon Staley - the reigning SEC Freshman of the Year - who’s already making his mark in Knoxville.
Kelsey Pope, Tennessee’s wide receivers coach, deserves a lot of credit here too. He’s one of the best in the business at developing talent and building depth. Even without Bey, Pope’s group is stacked, and he’s shown time and again that he can find and coach up future stars.
So yes, losing Legend Bey stings. He’s a special talent.
But Tennessee’s wide receiver pipeline is still flowing strong. The Vols have built a system - and a culture - that’s bigger than any one player.
If Bey does head to Ohio State, he’ll be joining another top-tier program. But he’s also walking away from a chance to develop under one of the best receiver coaches in the country and compete in an offense tailor-made for guys like him.
This saga might be winding down, but it’s left a lasting impression. And as signing season rolls on, it’s a reminder that in college football, nothing’s final until the ink is dry - and sometimes, not even then.