2026 linebacker schedules official visit to Tennessee football
Four-star linebacker Brayden Rouse included Tennessee in his top four schools, along with Alabama, Michigan and Texas. He also scheduled official recruiting visits to his top four schools, including Tennessee on June 20.
“I’ve narrowed my recruitment down to four schools,” Rouse said. “I’m grateful to all the coaches who have recruited me on this journey and I’m thankful for their interest, but I will be doing my official visits with these four schools.”
The 6-foot-3, 210-pound prospect is from Kell High School in Marietta, Georgia. 247Sports ranks Rouse as the No. 5 linebacker in 2026 and the No. 9 player in Georgia.
The Vols have seven commitments in 2026: Quarterback Faizon Brandon, wide receiver Tyreek King, tight end Carson Sneed, offensive lineman Gabriel Osenda, wide receiver Tyran Evans, linebacker Braylon Outlaw and defensive lineman C.J. Edwards.
The Tennessee Volunteers football program is set to welcome a promising prospect in the 2026 recruiting class for an official visit. A highly touted linebacker, known for his exceptional speed, agility, and football IQ, has scheduled the visit to Knoxville as he evaluates potential college programs ahead of his recruitment journey.
Regarded as one of the top linebackers in the 2026 class, this player has been pivotal in his high school team’s defensive schemes, showcasing an ability to read plays and react swiftly. His tackling prowess, combined with leadership on and off the field, has drawn the attention of numerous coaching staffs across the country. Tennessee, eager to bolster its defense for the future, views him as a key target who could instantly elevate their linebacker unit.
The official visit to Tennessee is an important step in the recruiting process, giving the player an opportunity to experience campus life, engage with the coaching staff, and meet current players. Visits allow prospective athletes to gauge the program’s culture, academic offerings, facilities, and community support, offering a closer look at what life as a Volunteer would entail.
Tennessee’s coaching staff has made a concerted effort to attract top-tier talent, implementing a strategy that emphasizes player development and success on the field. They aim to cultivate a winning culture that not only prepares players for college football but also for life after the game. Given the strong defensive legacy of the Volunteers and their commitment to building a competitive team in the SEC, the linebacker could see his future aligning with Tennessee’s ambitions.
In recent years, Tennessee has shown marked improvement under their current coaching regime, and their focus on recruiting top talent has been a significant factor in that progress. The presence of a potential standout like this linebacker could be instrumental in achieving their long-term objectives, including conference championships and a return to national prominence.
As the 2026 recruitment cycle heats up, the anticipation surrounding this linebacker’s visit will not only excite Volunteers fans but also the broader college football community. With other programs also vying for his commitment, Tennessee will aim to make a lasting impression during this visit, showcasing why it stands out among the competition. As the prospect contemplates his options, the upcoming visit to Knoxville promises to be a pivotal moment in his recruitment journey.
