Tennessee’s Rising Stars: MaxPreps Unveils Preseason All-Americans and Key Vols Recruitments

As college football recruiting intensifies, MaxPreps shines a light on Tennessee talent. They name key players to the 2025 preseason All-America teams. This recognition lifts rising stars who join the Volunteers. It also shows the tight contest for Tennessee’s top recruits in coming seasons.

Faizon Brandon stands out as a five‐star quarterback who chose Tennessee. He is a senior at Grimsley High School in Greensboro, North Carolina. Brandon ranks as the No. 1 overall prospect in the 2026 class, according to 247Sports. He committed to Tennessee over a year ago. He earned a spot on MaxPreps’ second-team offense. He holds a 29–1 record over two years. In his junior season, he completed 77.1% of his passes, threw for 2,814 yards, gained 35 touchdowns, and allowed only two interceptions. He also rushed for 625 yards and nine touchdowns. Brandon picks Tennessee over programs such as Alabama, LSU, and N.C. State. His choice shows the growing appeal of the Volunteers.

Darius Gray backs the quarterback play. He is a five‐star offensive lineman long pursued by Tennessee. Gray also appears on the second-team offense. He studies at St. Christopher’s School in Richmond, Virginia. He now weighs offers from Clemson, LSU, Ohio State, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Gray will soon announce his choice. His decision is a key moment in the recruiting contest.

Tristen Keys shines at wide receiver. He commits to LSU and makes the first-team preseason All-America list by MaxPreps. Even with his LSU tie, Tennessee still targets him. His case reflects the fierce nature of recruiting. Keys is a senior at Hattiesburg High School in Mississippi. He works among top talents like Ohio State’s Chris Henry Jr. and Syracuse’s Calvin Russell Jr.

Tennessee shows its reach in recruiting by seeing former Volunteers on the All-America team. Savion Hiter, a running back from Michigan, Joey O’Brien, a safety from Notre Dame, Jorden Edmonds, a cornerback from Alabama, Tyler Atkinson, a linebacker from Texas, and Xavier Griffin, a linebacker from Alabama, all appear. These names stress the talent depth linked to Tennessee and the shifting loyalties in college football.

Tennessee also eyes second-team recruits. They include John Turntine III, a Texas offensive line commit; Richard Wesley, a Texas edge rusher; and Luke Wafle, a USC edge rusher. Their inclusion shows the wide recruiting efforts across key positions.

MaxPreps’ preseason All-America teams show top high school football players. They also hint at an exciting future for Tennessee football. With commitments like Brandon’s and prospects like Gray and Keys, the Volunteers prepare for lasting success.

Fans and analysts watch closely. They see these recruits set their final college paths. Tennessee builds a strong roster. This effort sets the stage for competitive seasons in the SEC and beyond.