We’ve been watching for reports around five-star class of 2026 wide receiver Tristen Keys this summer as he continues his high-profile recruitment process.
For anyone not up to speed, Keys is a true blue-chip prospect in the recruiting cycle. Rivals’ Industry Rankings have him as a five-star prospect, the No. 7 prospect in the nation, and the No. 1 wide receiver in the class.
The only wrinkle for Tennessee, though, is that the 6-foot-2.5 receiver has been committed to SEC foe LSU since mid-March. But that hasn’t stopped Tennessee and some other top-notch programs from staying on his recruitment.
In late July, Rivals’ Chad Simmons reported that Tennessee is viewed as “LSU’s top competition heading into the season.” He also noted that the communication between Keys and Tennessee has remained “strong.”
That being said, Simmons also reported that “the Tigers feel good about their place with Keys” despite the ongoing push from other programs such as Miami, Tennessee, and Texas A&M.
Another Tristen Keys recruiting nugget hit the news wire on Friday. It doesn’t change much, but it does show that Tennessee is keeping its foot on the gas with the Mississippi native.
According to Rivals’ Hunter Shelton, one source indicated to him that a “potential change of heart could come before the start of the college football season.” He also wrote that while Keys still holds both Tennessee and Texas A&M “warm,” the Volunteers are the team “to watch closely” in the race.
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One ongoing narrative that holds weight is that each report states how strong the communication is between Tennessee and Keys. That includes the coaching staff, such as Josh Heupel, Joey Halzle, and Kelsey Pope, but it also includes current Tennessee commitments such as five-star quarterback Faizon Brandon. The Volunteers have touted some great relationships in the 2026 recruiting cycle and are hoping that can sway Keys into the flip.
It’s important to note the LSU side of things, though. The Tigers don’t appear to be backing down and are keen on keeping their commit. According to Shelton, “the Tigers have reportedly increased their NIL offer to Keys and still feel confident in their ability to keep him in the fold.”
During his junior season at Hattiesburg High School in Mississippi, the five-star prospect totaled 1,275 yards and 14 touchdowns on 58 receptions. He’s a do-it-all type of receiver with the ability to make plays in space in the short-to-intermediate range and take the top off the defense with the long ball.
The talk around Keys and a potential flip from LSU hasn’t stopped or slowed down throughout the summer, indicating that there could be fire where there’s smoke. Shelton’s report on Friday that a potential change of heart could come before the season is interesting, though. Perhaps we’re getting to a point where something happens sooner than later, but we’ll just have to wait and see.
Stay tuned to Rocky Top Insider for more Tennessee recruiting news as the 2025 season draws near.
