Tennessee Vols reportedly changed the way they're approaching the recruitment of 2026 4-star athlete Joel Wyatt

2026 four-star athlete Joel Wyatt is one of the Tennessee Vols' top remaining recruiting targets. 

Wyatt, 6-foot-4/195 lbs from Bell Buckle, TN, is rated by 247Sports as the No. 3 player in the state of Tennessee and the No. 47 overall player in the 2026 recruiting class. 

The Vanderbilt Commodores, perhaps somewhat surprisingly, are the Vols' main competition for Wyatt. 

One key reason why Vanderbilt is in a good spot for Wyatt is because they're willing to let him play at wide receiver and safety -- his preferred positions. 

Tennessee, meanwhile, has been recruiting Wyatt as an edge rusher, which has made this a close recruiting battle the Vols and the Commodores. 

According to On3's Keegan Pope, however, the Volunteers have recently changed the way they're approaching the battle for Wyatt. 

Pope noted on Friday that Tennessee is now telling Wyatt that he can play safety in Knoxville. He also reported that Tennessee is the "highest bidder" in the battle for Wyatt. 

"The Vols have long been the highest bidder in this process," wrote Pope. "And Tennessee has now told Wyatt he can play safety there, with a decision expected 'very soon.'"

Giving Wyatt the option to play safety should be enough to tip the battle in Tennessee's favor.

But as we all know, nothing is ever certain in recruiting. Fortunately for fans, it sounds like Wyatt is close to making a decision.