Omari Smith, Tristen Keys’ brother and an eighth-grade football prospect, just received his first SEC offer from the Tennessee Volunteers. While this is good news for the family, the story has an unexpected twist: he’s received the offer from a team that is a direct rival of his brother’s school, LSU.
While it might appear to be a promise to bring new energy to the rivalry between the two programs, we look forward to the roles both brothers will play.
Omari Smith’s Brother of LSU Commit Tristen Keys Lands First College Offer From Rival Tennessee
Although underrated, the Tennessee-LSU rivalry remains significant in college football. Many fans fondly remember the 2007 SEC Championship game, which ended in LSU’s favor with a 21–14 victory. The game helped LSU secure a berth in the BCS National Championship. Matches between Tennessee and LSU are often hard-fought games no one wants to miss, packed with emotion.
Thus, the family must have felt mixed emotions when the offer for Omari Smith came. Omari posted on X, “I am extremely blessed to receive my first offer from the University of Tennessee.”
#AGTG I am extremely blessed to receive my first offer from the University Of Tennessee.🟠⚪️ @CoachKelseyPope @Tkgot5 @tv2p @ChadSimmons_ @ChadSimmons_ @adamgorney @TomLoy247 @SWiltfong_ pic.twitter.com/ponSnKTvWE
— Omari Smith (@only1juixe) May 16, 2025
His brother, Tristen Keys, is already committed to LSU, which could lead to a recruiting tug-of-war between the two schools. If LSU were to extend an offer to Smith, he would be faced with a tough decision — choosing the program that would benefit him the most.
Of course, fans are already urging him to join his brother at LSU. However, with an offer already on the table, he may decide to accept it or wait for other offers before making a choice. If he enjoys the rivalry, he could join the Tennessee Volunteers, adding a layer of excitement to the ongoing feud between the two teams.
The Keys-Smith Family Legacy
Tristen Keys is already committed to LSU and plays as a wide receiver. His brother, Omari Smith, is now beginning to receive college offers. Although he is still years away from college eligibility, this early offer could shape his future. Both brothers are off to strong starts, hinting at a growing family legacy in college football. They could be a part of the SEC’s most entertaining rivalries if Smith doesn’t choose a different path.
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Although Smith is still in eighth grade, this offer will likely bring him more recruiting attention. Meanwhile, LSU fans should be hoping that the younger brother of their five-star commit will follow in Tristen’s footsteps. Either way, an exciting future awaits Omari Smith.
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