4-star Tyreek King commits to Tennessee and details decision
Knoxville native Tyreek King is one of the top wide receivers in the country for the 2026 class. He came off the board on Halloween morning as he picked Tennessee over Texas A&M, Alabama and other high profile programs.
“Tennessee has always been a dream of mine ever since my first game going there,” King said. “It’s been a dream since I was little to play in that stadium. I live three minutes away so it isn’t far at all. I chose Tennessee because coach Heupel and coach Pope. They develop great players. The environment there is crazy. I chose Tennessee for a lot of good reasons.”
So what is Tennessee getting in the every dynamic playmaker? He believes he brings a lot to the table.
“My breaks out of route,” King said. “I’m very explosive and great hands. Any deep balls I’m going to get. I bring everything to the table for a receiver should bring.
“I really can improve on my all around craft. You can never get to better. I’m working on everything really.”
King has incredible body control. He can make the toughest catches look routine.
“The body control comes from me and my pops work all day,” King said. “We do one leg stance and tennis balls. I’ve been working on it since I was eight. It’s come natural to me in games and I’ve been using it to my advantage.”
Tennessee wide receivers coach Kelsey Pope made him a priority over two years ago and the Knoxville Catholic standout felt it. Getting to break the news to him on Wednesday night was special.
Top 10
- 1
CFP contenders
31 teams remain in contention
- 2
Hunter Heisman
Colorado star becomes betting favorite
- 3New
Klatt predicts CFP
FOX analyst has a new 12-team field
- 4Hot
Michigan loses QB
Carter Smith decommits from Wolverines
- 5
Kurtis Rourke returns
Indiana QB set to play vs. Michigan State
“He talked to me and told me I’m his #1 priority,” King said. “He tells me every time he sees me, ‘I want you Reek. What you waiting on?’ Coach Pope is a great guy. I trust him and all the receivers there are getting developed and being great.”
Head coach Josh Heupel came to his game a few weeks back against Brentwood Academy. It was after that game that King knew he had something special by staying close.
“Coach Heupel is a great dude,” King said. “He told me some stuff I can work on. When he came to the Rivalry Thursday game he told me some stuff I can fix. That played a big part because I liked that. He let me know stuff to work on and he gets in touch with me every week.”
Tennessee already has a bigtime quarterback committed for 2026 in Faizon Brandon. Throw in 2025 quarterback George MacIntyre and King has been hearing about jumping in the boat for a while.
“They text me a lot,” King said. “Faizon text me every week telling me to come on. George MacIntyre texts and comments. A lot of guys already committed have been on me.”
Watch the full interview below.
