Josh Heupel and the Tennessee Volunteers are gearing up to ramp up their 2026 recruiting push. This weekend may not be the busiest, but with official visit season underway, that’s about to change in a big way.
A wave of top prospects is expected to visit Knoxville in the coming weeks, including several 5-star talents. Among them are current Vols commits Faizon Brandon and Gabriel Osenda.
But those two aren’t the only ones who might be donning orange and white by the time the 2026 season rolls around. Keep an eye on two standout recruits currently on commit watch: running back Savion Hiter and EDGE rusher Tristian Givens.
Multiple analysts have predicted Tennessee to land 5-star RB Savion Hiter
Savion Hiter has long been a high-priority target for Tennessee, and Vols fans have kept a close eye on his recruitment. He made a surprise unofficial visit to Knoxville last weekend and is set to head to Columbus on Friday for his official visit with Ohio State.
Hiter, the nation’s top-ranked running back, has narrowed his choices to Ohio State, Tennessee, Michigan, and Georgia. Tennessee will host him for his final official visit—a prime chance for Josh Heupel and his staff to make a lasting impression before Hiter makes his decision. The Vols are in a strong position heading into the home stretch.
5-star EDGE Tristian Givens recently said the Vols are the ‘top dog’ for his recruitment
One week before Hiter arrives, Tristian Givens will be in Knoxville for his official visit on June 13. It’s another major opportunity for Josh Heupel, as Givens holds a five-star rating and ranks as the No. 3 EDGE rusher and No. 23 overall player in the 2026 class.
Like Hiter, Givens attended the 865 Live recruiting event earlier this month. Following that visit, he told 247Sports’ Ryan Callahan that Tennessee currently leads in his recruitment. If the Vols can deliver a strong official visit, Heupel might be able to seal the deal. Imagine if both Hiter and Givens commit—now that would be huge.
Leave a Reply