The Tennessee Vols appear to be the overwhelming favorites to land an elite 2026 in-state four-star wide receiver.

247Sports’ Tom Loy noted this week that it’s “hard to see” the Vols missing out on four-star wide receiver Joel Wyatt.

Wyatt, 6-foot-4/195 lbs from Bell Buckle, TN, is rated in 247Sports’ composite rankings as the No. 5 wide receiver in the nation and the No. 2 player in the state of Tennessee. He’s also rated as the No. 45 overall player in the 2026 recruiting class.

“Tennessee feels as though they are in the top spot for Bell Buckle (Tenn.) Webb School Top247 athlete Joel Wyatt,” wrote Loy. “I can’t say that I disagree. The 6-4, 195-pounder is fresh off another terrific visit to Knoxville, a school he’s been to more than any other program in the country. The No. 42 overall talent this cycle, one with elite traits as a receiver or defensive back, is interested in LSU, Auburn, Vanderbilt, and North Carolina, but it’s hard to see the Volunteers missing on the top in-state target.”

Wyatt is an elite athlete, but there are questions about whether he’ll stick at wide receiver at the collegiate level.

The talented recruit recently participated in the Under Armour Nashville camp and he reportedly struggled with drops, leading to further questions about which position he’ll play in college.

“As of today, Wyatt worked primarily at wideout where his day was highlighted by flashes route running brilliance while simultaneously plagued by routine drops,” wrote 247Sports’ Cooper Petagna. “A long, beautiful target that moves flawlessly for his size, it’s easy to understand the intrigue of the Top247 prospect on the offensive side of the football. With that being said, the two-way standout is undoubtedly one of the most polarizing athletes this cycle and I’m not sure if Sunday’s performance brought us any more clarity on figuring out what side of the ball he’ll play on at the next level.”

Maybe it was just a bad day for Wyatt. It happens. And sometimes folks can read too much into an outlier performance.

Either way, Wyatt is clearly a high-level athlete who belongs in the SEC. And the Vols appear to be close to landing a commitment from the 6-foot-4 Tennessee native.