The Tennessee Volunteers have gotten used to claiming victories over the Alabama Crimson Tide in recent years, winning two of their last three meetings, and it looks as if they are set to score another in a high-profile recruiting battle.

Tennessee and Alabama are among a host of teams in the mix for five-star receiver Tristen Keys (Hattiesburg, MS).

The top-ranked receiver in the 2026 class, per On3, Keys is set to have a spring visit with the Volunteers on Monday and will have official visits with Tennessee and Alabama in June. He plans to commit before August, per On3’s Hunter Shelton.

On3’s predictions suggest both Tennessee and Alabama are fighting an uphill battle to land the services of Keys, who has an On3 NIL valuation of $415,000.

The Ole Miss Rebels are given a 30.6 percent chance to secure Keys’ commitment, with the USC Trojans in second on 20.3 percent. Alabama (11.8%) is third ahead of Tennessee and Auburn (both 9.8%).

Alabam has a rich recent history of sending wide receivers to the NFL, with stars such as Jaylen Waddle DeVonta Smith and Jameson Williams going in the first round and going on to enjoy success.

But it is Tennessee that is viewed as the frontrunner by 247 Sports’ Tom Loy.

Speaking on The Ultimate College Football Show, Loy said: “Alabama is absolutely surging in this one, but I still slightly like Tennessee right now.”

It’s clear the race for Keys’ services is going to be hotly contested right to the end. If Tennessee does indeed win it, then fireworks will be expected from Keys right off the bat once he takes his place in Josh Heupel’s offense.