KNOXVILLE, TN – September 06, 2025 – The Tennessee Volunteers touch the “I will give my all for Tennessee today” sign during the game between the ETSU Buccaneers and the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Tennessee Athletics
Tennessee football has added another piece to its 2026 class. On Saturday night, local wide receiver JaColby Cooper committed to the Vols.
Cooper is a wide receiver and safety for Alcoa High School. He also plays basketball for the Tornadoes. According to Caleb Jarreau of The Daily Times, he had 628 yards and nine touchdowns and was on the 2025 Class 4A State Title team. Cooper lists himself at 6-foot-2 and 175 pounds.
He was recruited by Kelsey Pope, Tennessee’s wide receivers coach and passing game coordinator, indicating that he will be a wide receiver when he arrives in Knoxville.
Cooper held offers from Carson-Newman, Campbellsville, Pikeville and Emory & Henry.
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Cooper is now the 29th commitment in the 2026 class for Tennessee, with 27 signing in the early signing period. Earlier this week, Knoxville Catholic’s Jeremy George El also committed to the team.
The 2026 class was headlined by a trio of five-star prospects, quarterback Faizon Brandon, wide receiver TK Keys and offensive tackle Gabriel Osenda. The group ranks fifth in the country on 247.
Along with Cooper and Keys, Knoxville Catholic star wide receiver Tyreek King is also signed and set to join the team for fall camp.
The Vols have also brought in 18 commitments through the transfer portal so far, with more targets still on the board. At receiver, Tennessee brought in two-way player Isaiah Hardge from Colorado, though it appears he’s trending more to playing cornerback. UT has also hosted a handful of other receivers.