Tristan Keys, the top-ranked wideout of 2026, begins to whittle down the process, taking four important trips.
What the Experts Say About Tristen Keys
With the 2025 season six months away, eyes partly look towards the 2026 recruiting cycle. Keys will not arrive at the school he ultimately selects as depth. Instead, the school will view him as the answer, the No. 1 option in the making.
If the school doesn’t field a lead receiver, then he jumps to the front of the line. On3’s Hunter Shelton reports that Keys will make four crucial campus visits. With perennial Top 25 teams in LSU, Michigan, Tennessee, and Texas A&M looking to bring him in, the sky is the limit.
🚨NEWS🚨 Tristen Keys, the No. 1 WR in the 2026 class, has scheduled visits to Tennessee, LSU, Texas A&M and Michigan, he tells @SWiltfong_✈️
Read: https://t.co/3jRlZ2XYQf pic.twitter.com/aro5GTLZjz
— On3 Recruits (@On3Recruits) February 23, 2025
In looking at what others think of Keys, 247Sports’ Andrew Ivins discussed his thoughts.
“A potential game-wrecker on the outside that can attack all three levels and constantly challenge defenses. Pairs elite ball skills together with dynamic route running, superior athleticism and a long-levered frame. Creates separation with his suddenness and will break off defensive backs with snappy cuts,” Ivins said.
“Attacks the football with confidence and has a rather high success rate in contested-catch situations, usually creating an advantage with his natural bounce. Competitive with the ball in his hands and can hit the throttle to capitalize on his catch-and-run opportunities,” Ivins continued.
Ivins sees Keys as a future No. 1 wideout with a difference. First, he is not profiled as a deep threat or possession receiver. The future freshman receiver does not fit into just one category. Granted, he can and will move the chains if needed. Yet pigeonholing would not fit, mainly since NIL money would flow in, and they would not pay for possession wideouts.
Instead, with some quick slants and screens thrown in to balance out the fades, posts, and outs. Either way, with a high volume of targets, many expect him to take intermediate passes and flash the skill for taking the ball the distance.
5⭐️ Class of 2026 WR Tristen Keys, who has high interest in #Alabama, with the nice catch over the middle.
Intel from Sunday’s Media Day here ➡️ https://t.co/U6BVpD4VJ3#RollTide pic.twitter.com/8vgZscXJNe
— Joseph Hastings III (@JosephAHastings) December 30, 2024
With Nico Iamaleava expected to bolt for the 2026 NFL Draft, Tennessee will probably see a new quarterback leading the Volunteers. Enrollee George McIntyre looks to fight for a backup spot.
Additionally, the Volunteers landed two four-star wideouts in the 2025 recruiting cycle. As a result, how will Keys contend with others that need targets as well? Also, what will the quarterback situation look like?
The Tigers should immediately appeal to Keys. Kyren Lacy, already headed out of town, looks in grave legal trouble, as he was accused of vehicular homicide in January. While he looked like he would leave Baton Rouge anyway, his absence leaves a mountainous void.
Plus, LSU, to this point in both the 2025 and 2026 recruiting cycles, focuses on wideouts that don’t fit Keys’ standard.
College Station would fit Keys in a couple aspects. Most importantly, Mike Elko spent the offseason trying to build along both lines of scrimmage. By adding recruits and transfer on both sides of the trenches, TAMU wants to give their offense a chance to thrive in the air while the defensive line turns loose and starts collapsing the pocket.
It’s not the most exciting destination, but it’s one that could actually pay off for both the team and the players equally.
Now, Michigan turned a reported $10 million to lock in quarterback Bryce Underwood. Would they go into the reserves again for Keys? Additionally, would that include a location fee as the Mississippi-born player would choose Michigan over the SEC.
KEEP READING: Sherrone Moore’s Elite 2025 Recruiting Class is Turning Heads
With a strong 2025 class, landing the top wideout in the 2026 class would be a bit of an upset in the process. Truthfully, with their bankroll, you cannot rule out the Wolverines.
Keys sits in the metaphorical catbird seat. Choosing A&M changes the perception of the Aggies, presenting a case for more offensive talent to join him. Brian Kelly and LSU could use an infusion of bigger playmakers on the outside.
Tennessee and Josh Heupel’s wideouts’ outside-the-numbers patterns would place opposing corners on an island, leaving the top prospect in a 1-on-1. Michigan, just by the virtual of the numbers potentially floated, could shift priorities. Either way, the 2026 prospect looks to change a team’s dynamic.
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