2020–2026 class, four-star tight end One day after the top athlete in the nation declared his pledge to Tennessee football, Carson Sneed follows five-star quarterback Faizon Brandon in making his own commitment. Sneed chose the Vols before his junior season at Nashville’s Donelson Christian Academy over Auburn, Louisville, Ohio State, and Ole Miss. If the name seems familiar, it’s because Tennessee’s Dayton Sneed, the older brother, is a redshirt freshman wide receiver. This year, the younger Sneed has made four trips to Tennessee, but he has only made one visit to each of the other four universities. He is rated as a top-200 prospect by On3 Recruiting, the No. 4 player in Tennessee, and the No. 9 tight end in the 2026 class.

Sneed’s mix of skill and stature makes him a favorite of 247Sports Director of Scounting Andrew Ivins. Ivins thinks he could be an excellent sniffing back and that he would be a terrific asset to any team in the run game. “Throwback in-line tight end prospect that has actually received some valuable snaps at offensive tackle while also doubling as a front-seven defender,” writes Ivins. “Size is thought to be over 6-foot-5 with the capacity to eventually carry 260 pounds or more, though it has not been independently confirmed.

As an attached blocker, it’s currently quite effective and should only become better with practice and additional muscular development when it comes to blocking run lanes. Although he hasn’t shown much promise as a vertical threat in the passing game, he can locate soft spots in zone coverage by slipping out of the backfield, particularly when it comes to the red zone. Should be considered a possible asset in a scheme that prioritizes the two- and three-wide end sets. could succeed as a sniffer.” The Vols’ 2026 recruiting class is anchored by a five-star quarterback, just like the previous three years, and this has helped the team sign its second blue-chip player right away.