Tennessee Football completed one of the biggest flips of the 2026 signing class in August when it landed former LSU wide receiver commit Tristen Keys. Tennessee got him to sign on the dotted line on signing day, but the initial move gave the Vols an elite, high-end wide receiver to add to the roster. The 6-foot-2 wideout was ranked as the No. 1 receiver and the No. 10 overall player in the class, according to 247’s metrics.
One of Keys’ standout traits is his catching ability. 247Sports’ Andrew Ivins touted Keys’ “high success rate in contested-catch situations” and “elite ball skills” in recruiting evaluations, leading to him becoming one of the most sought-after prospects in the 2026 cycle last year.
Keys showed off his elite hands during drills at a Navy All-American Bowl practice on Tuesday. While he isn’t in pads or in coverage, Keys was able to effortlessly track down the ball, often with one hand, as he ran around the field.
Tennessee & @CoachKelseyPope are getting a cheat code with @Tkgot5 🤯 @AABonNBC @adidasFballUS @Vol_Football #TeamAdidas #NavyAAB pic.twitter.com/FRHCmIq6IH
— Monarc (@MonarcSport) January 6, 2026
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For those out there wondering if those practice catches will translate to the field, the answer is yes. There’s hardly a reason to think it won’t. Keys was the top-ranked wide receiver in the recruiting class for a reason, and that type of skillset should be able to translate to the next level with continued work and practice.
“A potential game-wrecker on the outside that can attack all three levels and constantly challenge defenses,” Ivins wrote about Keys in a November evaluation for 247Sports. “Pairs elite ball skills together with dynamic route running, superior athleticism and a long-levered frame. Creates separation with his suddenness and will break off defensive backs with snappy cuts. Attacks the football with confidence and has a rather high success rate in contested-catch situations, usually creating an advantage with his natural bounce. Competitive with the ball in his hands and can hit the throttle to capitalize on his catch-and-run opportunities.”
Ivins listed Keys’ NFL player comp as Dallas Cowboys superstar CeeDee Lamb, who is also known for making tough catches look effortless.
The Vols have a future star with Tristen Keys. There’s no doubt that his future on Rocky Top is bright, and we should see our first action of him with a Tennessee uniform on in just a few months during spring ball.
