Tennessee football is already experiencing the positive ripple effects of its thrilling 24-17 victory over Alabama, particularly in the recruiting realm. The Vols recently secured commitments from four-star offensive lineman Brandon Anderson and three-star defensive lineman Tyson Bacon for the 2026 class. They are also setting their sights on a potential flip from another notable recruit.
Rodney Colton, a four-star linebacker currently committed to South Carolina, visited Tennessee during the Alabama game and appears to be considering a change. According to 247Sports National Recruiting expert Tom Loy, there is a growing belief that Colton could switch his commitment to the Vols. He is ranked as the No. 152 player in the 2026 recruiting cycle and stands out as the No. 12 linebacker in the nation, as well as the No. 18 prospect in Georgia.
Colton, who hails from Newnan, Georgia, has kept his recruitment open after committing to South Carolina in the spring. He has already explored options at Florida and Georgia, indicating that he is still actively weighing his choices. With signing day for the 2025 class still over a year away, there’s ample time for shifts in his recruitment landscape.
Currently, Tennessee’s 2026 class features four commits, including Anderson, Bacon, four-star Carson Sneed, and five-star Faizon Brandon. A flip from Colton would not only enhance the class but also mark the addition of the first linebacker recruit for the Vols in this cycle.
Despite being early in the 2026 recruiting process, Tennessee is off to a robust start, ranking No. 7 nationally and No. 3 in the SEC according to 247Sports. This momentum suggests that the Vols are positioning themselves as a formidable contender in future recruiting battles.
