Alan Poizner/For The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Tennessee Predicted to be Dealt Blow on Coveted Star by SEC Foe

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Justice Covert | Last updated Jul 3, 2025 5:33 PM ET

Could the Tennessee Volunteers lose out on one of the top wide receiver recruits in Mississippi to the Ole Miss Rebels? According to sources at On3, that appears to be the case.

Steve Wiltfong, vice president of recruiting and the transfer portal at On3, teamed up with Rivals pundits Adam Gorney and Chad Simmons to predict where some of the most highly touted 2026 recruits will declare leading up to Fourth of July weekend.

The trio agreed that Xavier McDonald, a four-star wide receiver, would stay in his home state of Mississippi to play for the Rebels when he makes his decision on Friday.

"It’s a terrific receiver class this year in the state of Mississippi, and this is one I like the Rebels to win and keep the ballyhooed pass catcher home," Wiltfong said. "LSU and Tennessee have been two others McDonald has liked. But it’s Ole Miss making him feel like the biggest priority heading into decision day."

Tennessee was one of seven SEC teams to send an offer to McDonald, according to the Rivals website.

McDonald caught 38 receptions for 562 yards and five touchdowns in his junior season for Morton High School, according to 247Sports. A down year compared to his sophomore campaign, when he hauled in 56 receptions for 1,166 yards and 16 touchdowns.

Truly blessed to be in this position
Decision date July 4th! pic.twitter.com/cBF06b5ve8
— Xavier Mcdonald (@Xavierkeonmac) June 28, 2025

"At different times, it has looked like McDonald would leave the state, but as commitment day approaches, Ole Miss has a real chance to keep him home," Simmons said. "LSU is the one to watch when talking out of state schools."

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: