While we are yet to figure out the endgame of a classic season involving all the college football powerhouses, the recruiting competition is getting zealous elsewhere on the earth. The teams are already looking to grace their next-year roster with the top-tier talents in the mix. The Tennessee Vols were almost about to get hold of an elite five-star wide receiver from Mississippi, but now, they seem to lose it at any moment as the star in question, Tristen Keys, gets big-time impressed by Texas A&M’s privileges.

Tristen Keys, a 6’2 and 177 lbs kid is special in all terms than any other 10th-grade student alike, well justifying why coaches of the high-flying schools are flocking to take him on board. The Hattiesburg, Mississippi native, however, has been taking his sweet time before choosing one over another. But as he told On3 this week, Tennessee is one of the programs that he has a high hope with. But all the Vols fans, take it slow, please! ‘

‘It’s the environment man you know, tough man, is real. It gets LED in that stadium; you know, the coaches take care of you there, some great coach staff coach Wiggins, great coach you know. He has a good resume of getting receivers and drafted, and the environment man, just been on the field, it is real loud,” said none other than Tennessee’s potential star recruit on his latest ON3 appearance when asked about the key attraction factors of Mike Elko’s team.

Did you think the deal is full and final for the Vols? Well, you are not alone. But the whole recruiting intricacy is beyond any popular anticipation. Last week, the highly sought-after 16-year-old had a fruitful visit to the Texas A&M school and watched them staging a huge win over LSU. The impression was understandably quite on point. But whether it would be enough to outstrip his deep Tennessee admiration or not is the real question.

The young phenom is set for his second Vols camp visit this weekend since last month for a highly anticipated match-up with Kentucky Wildcats after. The Mississippi product utterly adores the communication he had with the Vols faithful during his last visit (in week 6) and in between. As the rousing superstar noted, ”They make me feel wanted and comfortable in being part of their program and they have been doing a great job.’, we can easily gauge who holds the higher odds among all the allured clubs like Texas, Auburn, Alabama and more. But what is the key to driving his interest other than the coaches’ hospitality?

Faizon Brandon, the 2026 QB commit of the Vols might move the needle for Tristen Keys

The one-word answer would be Faizon Brandon, a verbal commit for the Vols 2026 class. The Vols run high in their recruitment stock. Apart from Faizon Brandon, they also received tentative words from offensive lineman Brandon Anderson, tight end Carson Sneed, and defensive lineman Tyson Bacon. But it is only the North Carolina native that can turn out to be a double benefit for the team.

The ascending signal caller not only excelled in his giant pocket-passing, dual-threat athleticism, or muscular arm clout, but he also triggered the urge to be the best in Tristen Keys. ”I think we would be a great duo. I’ve caught some great passes from him before at future 50 and every football was completed. Just knowing Faizon can spin the ba-l and me having that relationship with him is a big thing.” said Keys, visualizing him playing alongside the old peer.

While it’s still not a guarantee that Brandon’s landing in Tennessee will write the last word of Keys’ decision, it is holding some weight, at least. Be that as it may, the Vols will have more chances to heat up the potential recruit’s headspace in their favor, going forward.

What’s your take on the Tristen Keys, seemingly clinging to Texas A&M amidst the huge Tennessee rumors? Let us know in the comments.