Tennessee Vols could still get a huge come-from-behind win on the recruiting trail in battle for elite 5-star recruit

For most of the winter, the Tennessee Vols were viewed as the favorites to land 2026 five-star wide receiver Tristen Keys. 

That's why it was a bit of a surprise when Keys committed to the LSU Tigers in late March. 

Fortunately for the Vols, this recruiting battle isn't over quite yet. 

247Sports' Tom Loy, in fact, thinks Keys could still end up taking an official visit to Tennessee this summer. And he's not ruling out a potential flip from LSU to Tennessee for Keys. 

"The Volunteers held my Crystal Ball prediction at the time of Keys' commitment to LSU," wrote Loy this week. "To be completely transparent, I don't hate that pick right now. I've heard some buzz that Keys could be on campus in Knoxville this weekend. In addition, I fully expect him to take an official visit to Tennessee before all is said and done."

Loy also noted that Lane Kiffin and the Ole Miss Rebels are also a threat to flip the elite five-star recruit. 

Keys, 6-foot-3/180 lbs from Hattiesburg, MS, is rated in 247Sports' composite rankings as the No. 1 wide receiver in the nation and the No. 1 player in the state of Mississippi. He's also rated as the No. 3 overall player in the 2026 recruiting class. 

2026 five-star quarterback Faizon Brandon, a Vols commit since last August, is close with Keys and he badly wants the talented wide receiver to join him at Tennessee. 

Keys doesn't seem to be wavering on his commitment to LSU, but this is a recruiting battle that won't be over until it's time to officially sign with a program.