Josh Heupel has found a new weapon in the slot for his future on Rocky Top, and this time he didn’t have to go very far. Continuing a trend that dates back to their win over the Alabama Crimson Tide, Tennessee Football landed a commitment from a prospect for its 2026 recruiting class on Thursday.
Elite, local four-star Tyreek King became the third player to commit to the Vols since the day after that win over Bama. King, a four-star on 247Sports Composite, hails from Knoxville Catholic High School in Knox County, Tenn., and stands at just over 5’10” while weighing around 170 pounds.
This commitment follows Alabama defensive end Tyson Bacon, who committed to the Vols the Monday after UT’s win over Bama, and Georgia offensive lineman Carson Sneed, who committed the Sunday following that win. King announced his commitment to Tennessee Football Thursday morning on social media.
A player of King’s profile is naturally going to be more common given Heupel’s offensive schemes. Despite the lack of success this year, it’s obvious that slot receivers can thrive. Nico Iamaleava being young and Squirrel White being banged up make what’s happening right now an anamoly.
It’s still impossible to ignore how Heupel’s system turned Velus Jones Jr. into an NFL Draft pick and Jalin Hyatt into a Biletnikoff Award winner playing in the slot. King, a likely speedster, fits that profile, and that’s likely what Heupel is going for. Here is a look at his highlight reel.
As you can see, King has great cuts, acceleration and hands, all great traits for playing in the slot in this system. Level of competition in Knoxville would seem to be a concern, but recruiting rankings generally take those into account, and King is still a four-star. Since Knox kids usually overachieve, that’s a great sign for UT.
There are now five players committed to Tennessee Football for 2026 with quarterback Faizon Brandon leading the way. Brandon to King could potentially be an elite passing duo in the near future. Also, Heupel beat out Alabama for King, so he’s got a lot to celebrate.
