Tennessee Fights to Hold Onto Key Recruit
The Volunteers face an uphill battle to keep four-star tight end Carson Sneed in their 2026 class. The Donelson Christian Academy standout, who committed to Tennessee last August, has emerged as one of the nation’s top tight end prospects (No. 8 nationally) and a cornerstone of the Vols’ recruiting efforts. But recent visits – including a trip to Ole Miss that reportedly “shot [the Rebels] up in my rankings” – have put his pledge in jeopardy.
Ole Miss hosted several blue-chip recruits over the weekend, including a few targets committed to rival SEC programs.
Lane Kiffin and the Rebels are surging with several targets 🦈: https://t.co/REc6fS2Fde @NealMcCready pic.twitter.com/Aqf8Fb7Ud4
— Sam Spiegelman (@samspiegs) March 24, 2025
Sneed’s original commitment was fueled by Tennessee’s rising program and the chance to play alongside his brother, Vols receiver Dayton Sneed. Yet Ole Miss isn’t the only threat: Colorado (visited March 15), UCLA, Miami, and North Carolina are also in pursuit. With a $104K NIL valuation (On3) and prototypical 6’5″, 235-pound size, Sneed’s decision carries weight.
🚨NEWS🚨 Tennessee 4-star TE commit Carson Sneed will visit Colorado on Saturday🦬
More from @SWiltfong_: https://t.co/S93TqqFKD7 pic.twitter.com/tikMiJDyyO
— On3 Recruits (@On3Recruits) March 13, 2025
Tight ends coach Alec Abellen and staff now face a critical test. Losing Sneed would sting – both for his on-field potential and as a signal to other recruits. As his recruitment heats up, Tennessee’s ability to reinforce its pitch could determine whether this homegrown talent stays or becomes a costly miss.
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