Why flipping 5-star WR Tristen Keys from the LSU Tigers just got more difficult for the Tennessee Vols

2026 five-star wide receiver Tristen Keys is one of the Tennessee Vols' top remaining recruiting targets.

Keys, 6-foot-3/180 lbs from Hattiesburg, MS, has been committed to the LSU Tigers since March. He's rated by 247Sports as the No. 1 wide receiver in the nation and the No. 4 overall player in the 2026 recruiting class.

Despite his commitment to LSU, the Vols feel they have a decent chance to flip the talented wide receiver (the Miami Hurricanes and the Texas A&M Aggies are also hoping to flip Keys from LSU).

Keys has taken several productive visits to Tennessee and is close with 2026 five-star quarterback Faizon Brandon (Brandon has been a Vols commit for a year).

With Tennessee carrying plenty of momentum in this battle as summer nears its end, it's easy to see why numerous recruiting analysts believe the Vols could be the program that ultimately signs Keys.

LSU, however, likely made the Vols' job a bit tougher this week.

According to On3's Shea Dixon, the Tigers recently restructured Keys' NIL deal (which, we assume, likely means more money for the five-star wide receiver).

"The latest tidbit worth noting: LSU has recently restructured the NIL package for Keys, sources tell me," wrote Dixon. "That has LSU carrying some increased confidence that the No. 1 wide receiver in the 2026 class remains on board with his commitment to the Tigers."

Tennessee can compete with LSU's NIL package, so this isn’t a death blow to the Vols in this battle. But it does show that LSU is willing to do whatever it takes to hold on to the nation’s top wide receiver recruit.

This battle will likely continue until the early signing period begins in December. Tennessee certainly has a shot at being the team that signs Keys, but LSU clearly isn't going down without a fight.