A class of 2026 defensive lineman with an imminent commitment date reportedly has Tennessee as one of his four finalists.
According to a report from Rivals’ Sam Spiegelman on Wednesday afternoon, defensive lineman Darryus McKinley has set a commitment date of August 1 for his collegiate decision. The 6-foot-3, 270-pound prospect will choose between Florida, Texas, Tennessee, and LSU, in an all-SEC battle.
Rivals has McKinley as a three-star prospect in its industry rankings, landing him as the No. 477 player in the class, the No. 48 defensive lineman in the 2026 cycle, and the No. 16 player from the state of Louisiana. He currently plays for Acadiana High School in Lafayette, LA.
McKinley’s recruitment appears to be trending toward his home state, though. Not only are the LSU Tigers the overwhelming favorites according to Rivals’ Recruiting Prediction Machine, but they’re also home to Darryus’ brother, Dominick McKinley, who was a five-star defensive lineman in the Tigers’ 2024 recruiting class.
“My prediction is on the Tigers keeping McKinley in-state – and have been leaning in that direction for some time,” Spiegelman writes for Rivals.
Still, he’ll make his commitment public when he announces his decision on Friday, August 1.
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After landing four-star athlete Joel Wyatt on Monday, Tennessee’s 2026 recruiting class now has 22 total prospects. Josh Heupel’s group ranks 14th in the nation in Rivals’ rankings and 12th in the nation in 247 Sports’ rankings.
If McKinley does wind up surprising the experts with a commitment to Tennessee, he’ll be the Vols’ sixth defensive line pick-up in the 2026 cycle (including a pair of EDGE rushers). Tennessee already boasts commitments from the likes of four-star defensive lineman Dereon Albert and four-star EDGE Zach Groves, but a surprise landing would help bolster the Vols’ class that much more.
As a junior during the 2024 season, McKinley posted 67 total tackles, 18 tackles for loss, eight sacks, and 11 QB hurries for the Acadiana Rams.
Here’s a look at the talent that Tennessee is hoping to land with three-star defensive lineman Darryus McKinley on Friday:
