Peyton Dyer, a 2026 defensive back from Duluth, Georgia, has emerged as one of the most sought-after prospects in the upcoming recruiting cycle. Standing 6 feet tall and weighing 190 pounds, Dyer’s combination of size, speed, and versatility has garnered attention from top college football programs across the country. His recruitment journey has been marked by significant milestones, including a commitment to the University of South Carolina and subsequent decommitment, as well as interest from the Tennessee Volunteers.
Dyer’s recruitment began to gain momentum in the fall of 2024. He received offers from several prestigious programs, including Georgia, Louisville, Ole Miss, and Penn State. In November 2024, he committed to the University of South Carolina, joining the Gamecocks’ 2026 recruiting class . At the time of his commitment, Dyer was considered a three-star prospect and the 37th-ranked cornerback nationally.
During his sophomore season at Duluth High School, Dyer showcased his skills on both sides of the ball. Defensively, he recorded 70 tackles, 12 pass deflections, and one interception. Offensively, he contributed 88 receiving yards. His performance highlighted his dual-threat capability and made him a versatile asset for his high school team .
In April 2025, Dyer announced his decision to decommit from South Carolina. He expressed a desire to explore his options further and cited the recruitment staff and their communications as factors influencing his decision . This move reopened his recruitment, allowing other programs to re-enter the race for his commitment.
The Tennessee Volunteers have shown interest in Dyer following his decommitment. While specific details about offers or visits are not publicly available, Tennessee’s coaching staff has a history of recruiting talented defensive backs. For instance, in May 2024, the Vols extended an offer to 2026 defensive back Ayden Pouncey, a four-star prospect from Winter Park, Florida . This indicates Tennessee’s proactive approach in identifying and pursuing top defensive back talent.
Additionally, Tennessee has made strides in recruiting other defensive backs in the 2025 class. Four-star cornerback Mark Zackery IV included the Volunteers among his top 10 schools, alongside programs like Georgia, Ohio State, and Notre Dame . This suggests that the Vols are positioning themselves as a competitive option for elite defensive back prospects.
As of May 2025, Dyer’s recruitment remains fluid. He has not publicly announced any official visits or new commitments. Given Tennessee’s demonstrated interest in defensive backs and their competitive recruiting efforts, the Volunteers could be a strong contender for Dyer’s commitment. Factors such as coaching stability, defensive scheme fit, and the opportunity for early playing time will likely influence his decision.
Peyton Dyer’s recruitment is one of the most closely watched storylines in the 2026 class. His combination of size, athleticism, and versatility makes him a valuable asset for any program. While he is currently committed to South Carolina, his decommitment has reopened his recruitment, allowing programs like Tennessee to express interest. As the recruiting cycle progresses, Dyer’s decision will be influenced by various factors, and Tennessee’s continued pursuit could position them as a strong contender for his commitment.
