2026 DL Tyson Bacon decommits from Tennessee

Hoover (Ala.) three-star defensive lineman Tyson Bacon has decommitted from Tennessee, he announced on Wednesday evening.

The 6-foot-4, 265-pounder was pledged to the Volunteers since Oct. 21.

Bacon is the No. 420 overall prospect and No. 40 DL in the 2026 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He’s also the No. 14 player in Alabama.

“First off I want to thank coach Heupel, coach Chop, coach Garner, coach Banks, coach Ayers, and the University of Tennessee for taking my commitment. After careful consideration I want to open back up my recruiting. I want to make sure I’m making the best decision for my future,” Bacon wrote on X announcing his decision.

The Yellowhammer State prospect has continued to keep his options open since originally coming off the board last fall, visiting the likes of Florida, Michigan, Alabama, Georgia and Miami.

“I am giving everyone an equal shot,” Bacon told On3’s Chad Simmons earlier this month. “I am committed to Tennessee, but I am going through the process and taking my visits. My official visits to Georgia (May 16), Alabama (June 13) and Tennessee (June 20) are scheduled. I am working on dates with Miami and Michigan.”

Tennessee loses piece to 2026 class

With Bacon no longer in the fold, Tennessee now has seven commits in its 2026 recruiting class, which ranks No. 11 in the nation, according to the On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings.

Greensboro (N.C.) Grimsley five-star quarterback Faizon Brandon is the class jewel, now checking in as the No. 7 overall prospect and No. 2 QB in the nation. He’s remained locked in with the Vols since his pledge back in August.

“I started feeling Tennessee a while ago,” Brandon previously told On3. “They started recruiting me early, and the first impression they made on me was unlike any other. The staff recruited me hard from the get-go, they kept it steady with me and they pushed so hard to get me. All of that made an impact on why I picked them.”

Knoxville (Tenn.) Catholic four-star wide receiver Tyreek King is a key hometown commitment, he is a top-100 recruit and the No. 10 wideout in the updated On300. King is one of two big in-state commits thus far, alongside Nashville DCA four-star tight end Carson Sneed.

Clearwater (Fla.) Baylor School four-star offensive tackle Gabriel Osenda committed in January and is a top-300 prospect. Charlotte William Amos Hough three-star WR Tyran Evans, Metuchen (N.J.) Saint Joseph three-star EDGE CJ Edwards and Pike Road (Ala.) three-star linebacker Braylon Outlaw round out the pledge list to date.