Tennessee HC Josh Heupel. Photo By Andrew Ferguson/Tennessee Athletics
Tennessee football’s hot-stretch on the recruiting trail doesn’t appear to be cooling down any time soon.
Josh Heupel and the Vols added a pair of commitments to their 2026 class on Tuesday, both on the defensive side of the ball. To start the day, Tennessee brought in in-state athlete Javonte Smith from Jackson. He projects to play in the secondary as the fifth three-star addition to the group of defensive backs.
Then, William Inge continued to work his magic. He brought in his second top-five linebacker in the class in four-star Brayden Rouse. Out of Georgia, he is the No. 4 linebacker and No. 68 player in the country, according to 247.
Let’s take a look at where Tennessee’s class now stands with 19 commitments after the duo both made their announcements.
No. 14 Overall
No. 6 SEC (Behind Georgia, Texas A&M, Alabama, LSU, Texas)
No. 13 Overall
No. 5 SEC (Behind Georgia, Texas A&M, Alabama, LSU)
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Here’s a look at Tennessee’s 19 commitments in order of most recent in the 2026 class:
LB Brayden Rouse – 7/8/25
DB Javonte Smith – 7/8/25
DL Darryl Rivers – 7/4/25
LB TJ White – 7/1/25
DL Dereon Albert – 7/1/25
CB Jamyan Theodore – 7/1/25
CB Zay Anderson – 6/28/25
WR Legend Bey – 6/28/25
DL Kedric Golson II – 6/27/25
IOL Edward Baker – 6/27/25
S Luke Thompson – 6/14/25
S KJ McClain – 6/11/25
EDGE Zach Groves – 5/21/25
EDGE CJ Edwards – 2/25/25
OT Gabriel Osenda – 1/11/25
LB Braylon Outlaw – 11/8/24
WR Tyreek King – 10/31/24
TE Carson Sneed – 8/5/24
QB Faizon Brandon – 8/3/24
By position: Quarterback (1), Receiver (2), Offensive Line (2), Tight End (1), Defensive Line (5), Linebacker (3), Defensive Back (5)