The Tennessee football team enters this season with significant uncertainty at the quarterback position. Joey Aguilar, Jake Merklinger, and George MacIntyre are all potential starters following the unexpected departure of Nico Iamaleava, who abruptly stopped showing up to practice just one day before the spring game.
Looking ahead, Tennessee has high hopes for the future with top quarterback prospect Faizon Brandon set to arrive next year. Brandon is expected to be the Vols' leader in a couple of seasons, and head coach Josh Heupel is actively working to surround him with elite talent. This weekend, the Vols are hosting five-star LSU commit Tristen Keys, a potential game-changer.
“A potential game-wrecker on the outside that can attack all three levels and constantly challenge defenses. 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,” 247 Sports’ Andrew Ivins wrote.
Keys, ranked as the No. 3 overall player in the 2026 class, has been committed to LSU since March—but his recruitment could still be open.
“The Hattiesburg, Mississippi native ranks as a five-star recruit and the No. 3 player in the country according to the 247sports composite rankings. Keys also ranks as the top player in Mississippi and the top receiver in the entire 2026 recruiting cycle,” Rocky Top Insider’s Ryan Schumpert wrote.
If Tennessee can successfully flip Keys, he would become the Vols' third five-star commit in the 2026 cycle.
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“The Volunteers already have two five-star prospects committed. A five-star QB committed in Faizon Brandon, who is a huge recruiting tool for Tennessee, and they also have Gabriel Osenda,” Sports Illustrated’s Najeh Wilkins wrote.
Tristen Keys remains one of the most intriguing names to watch in this cycle. While he has more visits scheduled after his weekend trip to Knoxville, Tennessee is believed to be the frontrunner if he decides to decommit from LSU.