4-star TE Carson Sneed reveals thought process behind the commitment to Josh Heupel’s Tennessee

Nashville's Donelson Christian Academy standout Carson Sneed has committed to Tennessee. Sneed, ranked among the nation's top tight ends, chose Tennessee over notable programs such as Auburn, Ohio State, Ole Miss and Louisville.

Sneed’s decision adds to coach Josh Heupel's strong start to the 2026 recruiting cycle, following the recent commitment of Faizon Brandon, the top-ranked quarterback in the nation.

“Everything about Tennessee screams my name,” Sneed told Rivals.com, expressing his excitement for the future.

Having received offers from over 30 schools, including Alabama, Michigan, Oregon, Oklahoma, Penn State, LSU, Kentucky and Texas A&M, Sneed’s choice was influenced by Tennessee’s welcoming atmosphere.

“It’s a great feeling,” he shared with On3. “It’s something I’ve been chasing since I was a kid, and the future is bright. We’re trending up right now and that’s not stopping anytime soon.”

A key factor in Sneed's decision was his family's connection to Tennessee. His brother, Dayton, is a wide receiver for the Volunteers. Sneed has frequently visited the campus, including a significant trip at the end of July.

“That’s home, it always has been,” Sneed stated

During his latest visit, Carson Sneed felt reassured by Tennessee's persistent interest and had the opportunity to connect with other top recruits.

“It was another good weekend on Rocky Top,” he said. “They expressed how much they still want me, and I got to meet some guys that they’re hard after.”

According to the On3 Industry ranking, Carson Sneed is the nation’s No. 9 tight end, the No. 174 prospect overall and the No. 4 player in Tennessee.

Carson Sneed discusses his calculated decision to commit to Tennessee

Before making his commitment public, Carson Sneed told GoVols247 that he approached his recruitment with a “more businesslike” attitude. The player is ranked as the No. 174 overall prospect and No. 8 tight end in the 2026 class by the 247Sports Composite, and he mentioned that every visit to Tennessee felt increasingly like home.

"I've considered committing probably two or three times within the past couple months," Sneed said.

Sneed's childhood dream of running through the Power "T" significantly influenced his decision.

"Ever since I've been a little kid, all I've ever wanted to do was run through the Power 'T.' And now that I've got the chance, I don't see why I would turn it down,"

The tight end has visited Tennessee over 10 times in the last 18 months, ultimately deciding during the “Big Orange Kickoff” event on July 27. Reflecting on his visits, Carson Sneed said:

"I’ve built a great relationship over the past year, year and a half of being up there probably double-digit times now, and I feel comfortable with that staff. I can talk to them. I can tell them anything. I didn't go up there planning on it at all, but (the July 27 visit) kind of just solidified everything. I knew right then it was on and that I don't see myself anywhere else."

Tennessee is now eyeing top 2026 prospect Kendre Harrison from Providence Day School, who has included the Vols in his top six schools.