Tennessee Vols could kick off the month of July by landing a key 4-star recruit

The Tennessee Vols might be getting some good news when the calendar flips to July.

2026 four-star defensive lineman Dereon Albert is set to announce his commitment on July 1, and the Vols appears to be the favorites for the talented recruit. 

On3's Chad Simmons noted on Thursday that Tennessee is "trending" for Albert while predicting that the Vols will be his choice on July 1. 

Albert told Rivals.com last week that Tennessee is "No. 1" for him after his recent visit to Knoxville. 

"They're No. 1," said Albert to Rivals.com after his official visit to Knoxville. "I love it here. The people, the coaches, the place...it's all love there and it's beautiful."

Albert, 6-foot-2/305 lbs from Jackson, MS, is rated in 247Sports rankings as the No. 28 defensive lineman in the nation and the No. 8 player in the state of Mississippi. He's also rated as the No. 184 overall player in the 2026 recruiting class. 

Mississippi State is also in the mix to land Albert, though the Bulldogs appear to be fading after the four-star defensive lineman canceled his upcoming official visit to Starkville. 

Albert told On3 that he's not taking any more visits before he announces his commitment. 

Tennessee currently has nine players committed to its 2026 recruiting class.