Tennessee Vols predicted to lose recruiting battle for elite 2026 4-star recruit to rival SEC program

The Tennessee Vols are one of four programs still in the mix for 2026 four-star edge rusher Tristian Givens. 

Givens, 6-foot-3/215 lbs from Columbus, GA, is rated by 247Sports as the No. 8 edge rusher in the nation and the No. 6 player in the state of Georgia. He's also rated as the No. 62 overall player in the 2026 recruiting class. 

Florida State, Texas A&M, Tennessee, and USC are Givens' final four schools as he nears a decision. 

The Vols were viewed as a slight leader for Givens as recently as last month, but it appears that's no longer the case. 

247Sports recruiting insider Tom Loy thinks Texas A&M is the program that will ultimately win this recruiting battle. 

"Playing for Texas A&M and coach Mike Elko might be too appealing to pass on. I like the Aggies right now," wrote Loy of Givens' recruitment. 

Givens doesn't have a planned commitment date, but he's expected to make a decision before his senior season of high school football starts later this fall. 

Tennessee is set to host Givens on an official visit in June, so there's still time for the Vols to regain the lead spot in this recruiting battle. For now, though, it seems that Texas A&M is the team to beat for the elite edge rusher.