Breaking: Vols emerge favorites to sign four-star TE

Tennessee is on the short list of favorites for a four-star tight end who’s one of the Vols’ top in-state targets in the 2026 class

After a recent visit to Tennessee, Carson Sneed has decided to focus on a few institutions. The four-star Class of 2026 tight end from Donelson Christian Academy in Nashville, Tenn., revealed his top five college options in a post on his X account Monday afternoon, with the Vols among three SEC teams on his short list of faves.

Tennessee, Auburn, Ole Miss, Ohio State, and Louisville are among the top contenders for the 6-foot-5.5, 235-pound Sneed. He visited the Vols again on Saturday for their Night at Neyland camp. He has gotten scholarship offers from at least 36 institutions, including all five that he is seriously considering.

Sneed, the younger brother of Tennessee wide receiver Dayton Sneed, is a four-star prospect in the industry-generated 247Sports Composite. He is listed as the No. 172 overall player, No. 8 tight end in the 2026 class, and the No. 3 rising junior from Tennessee.According to 247Sports, the younger Sneed is a three-star prospect ranked as the No. 12 tight end in the 2026 class and the No. 8 rising junior in Tennessee.

Tennessee made an early offer to Sneed in March 2023, just three days after Vanderbilt extended his initial SEC offer. The invitation from the Vols came during a visit during one of their junior years, and he has been to Knoxville several times since then, both to see his brother play and to continue visiting Tennessee.

He also went to one of the Vols’ camps and at least four of their home games last season. He returned to Knoxville on February 3 for Tennessee’s first junior day of the season, and the Vols had another opportunity to work with him on the field during Saturday’s camp at Neyland Stadium.

Sneed grew up admiring Tennessee, and the Vols have been one of the top teams vying for him for more than a year. In February, after attending a junior day at Tennessee, he stated that coach Josh Heupel’s staff, led by tight ends coach Alec Abeln, had reassured him that he was a priority and that they wanted him.

During Saturday’s session, Sneed, who has attended several games at Neyland Stadium, gained insight into what it’s like to play there. Heupel’s team paid him special attention during his visit.

“It was a lot different,” Sneed explained Saturday night. “It was fantastic. I got to see everything and what it was like on the field.”

On Sunday, he stated that he plans to disclose his college decision “more than likely” next year. He intends to prioritize the top five schools on his list as he works toward a commitment.

“Really, what I’m looking for this fall — not just from Tennessee, but from every school that’s recruiting me — is how they use the tight ends, how they use their offense,” Sneed stated. “That’s one of the big things for me.”