Tennessee Football Priority Joel Wyatt, Top In-State 2026 Prospect, Transfers to Oakland High in Major Recruiting Development for Vols
The Tennessee Volunteers’ pursuit of elite in-state talent in the 2026 recruiting class took a compelling turn with the news that Joel Wyatt—one of the top prospects in the state of Tennessee—has transferred to powerhouse Oakland High School in Murfreesboro. Widely regarded as a four-star athlete and one of the most complete two-way players in the region, Wyatt’s move not only strengthens one of the state’s premier programs but also intensifies the spotlight on his recruitment. For Josh Heupel and the Tennessee football staff, this development could have ripple effects across the state’s recruiting landscape and potentially solidify the Vols’ pursuit of a homegrown game-changer.
Standing 6-foot-2 and weighing around 190 pounds, Wyatt has already made a name for himself as a dynamic athlete capable of playing wide receiver, defensive back, and even taking snaps in the wildcat formation. His versatility, explosiveness, and competitive nature have earned him offers from multiple Power Five programs, including Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, LSU, and South Carolina. Yet, there’s a different tone when it comes to the Vols. Not only are they in-state, but they’ve been recruiting Wyatt since his freshman season, making him a clear priority in what is shaping up to be a foundational class.
Oakland High School’s football program, led by head coach Kevin Creasy, has been a consistent powerhouse in Tennessee, winning multiple state titles over the past decade and sending numerous players to the collegiate level. For a player like Wyatt, who’s already shown flashes of dominance, the move to Oakland could be career-defining. He’ll face better competition, receive elite coaching, and benefit from a team that plays deep into the playoffs year after year. That stage could elevate his already soaring recruitment and give college programs more film against high-level competition.
For Tennessee, the stakes are growing. Keeping elite in-state talent at home has been a focal point of Heupel’s recruiting strategy. The Vols have found increasing success in that department in recent cycles, landing top Tennessee products like Edwin Spillman, Kaleb Beasley, and Boo Carter. But the 2026 class is shaping up to be one of the most talent-rich in recent memory within the Volunteer State, and Joel Wyatt may be the crown jewel.
The Vols have put considerable effort into cultivating a relationship with Wyatt and his family. That includes frequent campus visits, personal communication from multiple members of the coaching staff, and a clear path laid out for how he would be used in Tennessee’s system. Whether he lines up as a wide receiver in Josh Heupel’s high-octane offense or becomes a lockdown corner in Tim Banks’ defense, the message has been consistent: Wyatt is not just a piece—they see him as a future star.
The recruiting battle, however, is far from over. Programs across the SEC and beyond have taken notice of Wyatt’s potential. Alabama recently ramped up its pursuit, and Georgia has long been considered a threat given their history of developing elite defensive backs and hybrid athletes. LSU, with its “DBU” reputation, is also making a push. Even schools like Michigan, Notre Dame, and Oregon have jumped into the mix, hoping to lure Wyatt out of the South.
But there’s something to be said about Tennessee’s positioning. The Vols offer the combination of proximity, early playing time, scheme fit, and a rising national profile. Wyatt has been to Knoxville multiple times already and appears genuinely interested in what Heupel is building. The energy around the program, the success of recent recruiting classes, and Tennessee’s aggressive pursuit of players like him have resonated.
Another factor that could play into Tennessee’s favor is the emergence of the Vols’ player development pipeline. Prospects are watching players like Squirrel White, James Pearce Jr., and Nico Iamaleava emerge as stars and potential NFL Draft picks. That track record is beginning to sell itself, and players like Wyatt are keenly aware of it. Add in the fact that Tennessee’s 2026 class could be loaded with local stars—names like Marcus Goree Jr., Chris Parson Jr., and Keshawn Stovall—and the appeal of staying home to build something special becomes even more powerful.
Wyatt’s transfer to Oakland may also impact the way evaluators and recruiters view him. Playing in the spotlight, under pressure, and against elite competition will either confirm or elevate his current status. Already considered a top-100 national prospect by most recruiting services, a strong junior season at Oakland could launch him into the five-star conversation. College staffs are watching closely, and if Tennessee can maintain its current momentum, they could very well position themselves as the favorite entering Wyatt’s senior year.
It’s worth noting that Oakland’s structure and winning culture may also help prepare Wyatt mentally and physically for the next level. The program is known for its discipline, player development, and demanding practice structure. Playing there will expose Wyatt to a system not unlike what he would encounter at the college level. That experience could make him even more ready to contribute early once he arrives on a college campus—something Tennessee has emphasized in its pitch.
From a positional standpoint, Tennessee’s need for a player like Wyatt is significant. If he ends up on offense, he’d join a wide receiver room that thrives on speed and precision. His size, ball skills, and after-the-catch ability could make him a nightmare for SEC defenses. On defense, he offers rare size and physicality for a corner or safety and would bring a level of athleticism that can match up with the SEC’s best wideouts. The staff has told Wyatt they’re willing to let him choose his path—they just want him in orange and white.
Beyond the X’s and O’s, Wyatt is viewed as a leader. Coaches rave about his maturity, competitive edge, and approach to the game. He trains year-round, studies film with attention to detail, and takes pride in elevating teammates. Those qualities make him not only a high-value recruit but also the kind of player who can anchor a recruiting class and influence others to follow. If Tennessee lands him, it could be a catalyst for landing other elite 2026 targets.
Recruiting battles at this level are often long, complex, and fluid. A prospect like Joel Wyatt will take his time, weigh his options, and continue to build relationships over the next 12-18 months. That means Tennessee’s work is far from finished. They’ll need to continue building trust, showing development, and winning games. But the foundation is there, and Wyatt’s move to Oakland gives the Vols another stage to prove why they’re the right fit.
In many ways, Wyatt’s journey reflects the broader goals of Tennessee football under Josh Heupel. The Vols want to dominate in-state recruiting, develop versatile athletes, and build a championship-caliber culture rooted in effort, innovation, and belief. If they can land Wyatt, it would be another sign that Heupel’s vision is resonating with the best players Tennessee has to offer.
The next several months will be critical. Wyatt is expected to have a monster junior season, and with each big game, the spotlight will grow. Coaches from across the country will fill the stands at Oakland games, hoping to get a firsthand look at one of the South’s most electric prospects. Tennessee will need to stand tall amid the noise, maintain their consistent message, and continue making Knoxville feel like home.
If they succeed, the Vols may not just land a commitment—they may gain a future All-American who could help lead Tennessee back to national prominence. Joel Wyatt’s transfer to Oakland is just the latest chapter in a high-stakes recruitment, but for Tennessee, it might be the chapter that tips the scales.
