Tennessee’s Highest-Rated College Football Players for 2026 Season Revealed as Vols Eye Championship Push With Star Power
The Tennessee Volunteers are heading into the 2026 college football season with high expectations, and for good reason. After a string of successful recruiting classes, strong player development under head coach Josh Heupel, and back-to-back seasons in national contention, the Vols are stacked with talent at nearly every position. That talent is now officially reflected in the recently released player ratings for the 2026 season, which highlight Tennessee’s top-tier roster and the individual stars expected to make the most noise on the national stage.
These ratings, generated by a combination of performance analytics, coaching evaluations, and scouting reports from both college and NFL circles, offer a detailed look at which Volunteers are expected to lead the team—and potentially the SEC—in 2026. From veteran leaders to emerging sophomores, Tennessee boasts a balanced and explosive lineup capable of challenging anyone in the country. Let’s break down the top-rated players that are shaping expectations in Knoxville.
Leading the pack is junior quarterback Nico Iamaleava, who enters the 2026 campaign as one of the highest-rated quarterbacks in the nation. After taking over the starting job in 2024 and showcasing elite arm strength, accuracy, and poise under pressure, Iamaleava earned national respect in 2025 by leading the Vols to an 11-2 record and a New Year’s Six bowl appearance. With another year of experience under his belt and a full arsenal of offensive weapons, his 96 overall rating reflects both past production and sky-high potential. Analysts praise his field vision, off-platform throwing ability, and leadership—traits that have made him a top early favorite for the Heisman Trophy.
Flanking Iamaleava in the backfield is five-star running back Jayden Lewis, a redshirt sophomore who burst onto the scene last season with over 1,200 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns. Rated at 94 overall, Lewis has established himself as one of the most electrifying runners in the SEC. His blend of speed, balance, and vision allows him to break away for long gains while still being a consistent between-the-tackles option. His pass-catching ability out of the backfield adds another layer to Tennessee’s offensive versatility.
The receiving corps is equally dangerous, led by junior wideout Cameron Seldon. Clocking in with a 93 rating, Seldon is a mismatch nightmare for opposing secondaries. At 6’3″ with elite speed and leaping ability, he has become Iamaleava’s go-to target in key situations. Seldon posted over 1,000 receiving yards in 2025 and was a second-team All-American selection. His route-running precision and hands make him a top target on NFL draft boards as well.
Joining Seldon in the receiver room is sophomore breakout star Davion Carter, who is rated 90 overall and is coming off a freshman campaign that saw him haul in 8 touchdowns and nearly 800 receiving yards. Carter’s agility, sharp cuts, and ability to create separation have made him one of the fastest risers on the roster. With another year in the system, his production could very well rival Seldon’s.
On the offensive line, Tennessee features a future first-round NFL pick in left tackle Tyler Johnson, who earns a 92 overall rating. Johnson has been a wall in pass protection and a mauler in the run game, earning first-team All-SEC honors last season. His footwork, technique, and football IQ make him one of the most respected linemen in the conference. Anchoring the interior is senior guard Marcus Simmons, rated at 89, whose experience and strength in short-yardage situations provide stability and leadership to the offensive front.
Defensively, the Vols are headlined by All-American defensive end Elijah Herring, who enters 2026 with a 94 overall rating. Herring led the SEC in sacks last season with 13.5 and was a finalist for the Bednarik Award. His explosiveness off the edge, combined with his ability to drop into coverage and defend the run, makes him one of the most complete defenders in college football. He is expected to be a top-10 pick in the 2027 NFL Draft if he declares early.
Opposite Herring is edge rusher Tyree West, a senior with an 89 rating. West complements Herring perfectly, often drawing attention away and freeing up one-on-one matchups. With 9 sacks and 15 tackles for loss in 2025, West has quietly become one of the most consistent defensive linemen in the SEC.
In the linebacker corps, junior Aaron Beasley is back and better than ever, rated at 91. Beasley is a sideline-to-sideline tackler who excels in run defense and coverage. His ability to diagnose plays and lead the defense makes him the heartbeat of Tennessee’s front seven. Beside him is sophomore Mike Long, rated 88, who is a tackling machine with high upside. Long’s speed and burst have earned him comparisons to past Volunteer greats.
The secondary is led by ball-hawking cornerback Jordan Matthews, rated 92 overall. Matthews had 6 interceptions last season and has developed into a true lockdown defender. His instincts and fluid hips make him dangerous in both man and zone schemes. Opposing quarterbacks often avoid throwing his way entirely, and his name is already generating buzz as a potential first-round pick.
At safety, Elijah Brown comes in with an 88 rating and brings physicality, experience, and leadership to the back end. Brown is known for his ability to support the run game and deliver punishing hits, but he’s also improved significantly in pass coverage, recording 3 interceptions in 2025.
Special teams also get a boost with kicker Will Gordon, who earns an 87 rating. Gordon hit 91% of his field goal attempts last season, including a game-winning 52-yarder against Georgia that cemented his reputation as clutch under pressure. Punter Noah Anderson, rated 85, consistently pins opponents deep and flips field position—a vital part of Tennessee’s strategy in close contests.
What’s notable about these ratings is not just the star power at the top, but the depth throughout the roster. Tennessee has 14 players rated 88 or higher and more than 25 rated at 85 or better. This depth is crucial for navigating the brutal SEC schedule and making a serious playoff push. The Vols have talent across every position group and the kind of balance that championship teams require.
Another standout point is how these ratings reflect Tennessee’s recent recruiting success. Many of the players rated in the high 80s and low 90s were part of the last three recruiting classes, evidence that Heupel’s vision for the program is not just talk—it’s showing up in talent development and on-field results. The Vols are no longer simply a tough out in the SEC; they are a legitimate contender with the personnel to match the elite programs across the country.
Coaches and analysts alike are taking notice. With a high-powered offense, a tenacious defense, and stars at key positions, Tennessee is viewed by many as one of the most dangerous teams heading into 2026. These ratings reinforce that notion, giving fans even more reason to be optimistic.
There’s also a recruiting ripple effect to consider. High school prospects and transfer portal targets closely watch team ratings and player development when making decisions. Tennessee’s loaded roster and player success stories make it an increasingly attractive destination for elite athletes looking to elevate their game.
In summary, the 2026 Tennessee Volunteers are entering the season with one of the most balanced and highly rated rosters in all of college football. From the elite quarterback play of Nico Iamaleava to the lockdown coverage of Jordan Matthews, the Vols have talent, depth, and momentum. These player ratings reflect the hard work of the coaching staff, the rise of individual stars, and the collective potential of a program that is poised to compete for a national championship.
If these ratings are any indication, Tennessee fans can expect another electric season in Knoxville—with the promise that the best may be yet to come.
