Josh Heupel's Tennessee lands commitment from 4-Star TE Carson Sneed to the class of 2026: Reports

Four-star tight end Carson Sneed, from Donelson Christian Academy in Nashville, Tennessee, committed to Tennessee's 2026 class. He announced his commitment on Monday, choosing the Vols over the likes of Oregon, Auburn, Ohio State, Penn State, Louisville and Ole Miss.

Sneed's commitment to Tennessee was strengthened during his back-to-back visits to the campus, the most recent of which took place on the weekend of July 27.

"I didn't go up there planning on it at all, but kind of just solidified everything," Sneed told GoVols247. "I knew right then it was on and that I don't see myself anywhere else."

One of the key factors that drew Sneed to Tennessee was the coaching staff's deep faith in his versatile abilities.

"The whole time they've been recruiting me, they've had faith in me that I can be a split-out tight end or I can be attached, I can go block for them, I can catch balls for them whenever they need me to — just a little bit of everything," Sneed said.

The relationship Sneed built with Tennessee's coaching staff was also a huge factor. From head coach Josh Heupel to tight ends coach Alec Abeln, he developed strong connections with several staff members. Abeln, in particular, has maintained frequent contact with Sneed since June 15.

"I mean, 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," Sneed said. "I can talk to them. I can tell them anything. I can always contact them when I need to."

Another personal factor influencing Sneed's decision is his brother, Dayton Sneed, a redshirt freshman wide receiver for Tennessee. Dayton joined the program as a preferred walk-on and is heading into his second year. Carson Sneed’s commitment could mean the opportunity for the brothers to play together for two seasons.

What does Carson Sneed's commitment mean for Tennessee?

Standing at 6-foot-5.5 and weighing 235 pounds, Carson Sneed brings a mix of size and skill to enhance Tennessee’s offensive strategy in the 2026 class. According to 247Sports director of scouting Andrew Ivins, the prospect should be viewed as a potential asset in an offense that utilizes heavy sets with two and three tight ends. His ability to slip out of the backfield and find soft spots in zone coverage will be invaluable for the Vols.

Sneed is the nation’s No. 175 prospect, the No. 9 tight end in the 2026 recruiting class and the No. 8 player in Tennessee, according to On3. 247Sports places him as the No. 15 tight end in the 2026 recruiting class and the No. 9 player in Tennessee.

In the 2023 season, Sneed excelled at both tight end and left tackle, recording 15 passes for 297 yards and 10 touchdowns. He played a crucial role in helping his school reach the Tennessee Division II-A quarterfinals.

Sneed’s commitment is the second for Tennessee in the 2026 class, following the highly touted five-star quarterback Faizon Brandon. The class is ranked No. 13, according to 247Sports. Tennessee is also eyeing tight end Kendre Harrison for this class.