The commitment streak rolled on for Josh Heupel and the Tennessee Volunteers on Wednesday.
This time, it was 2026 three-star athlete Javonte Smith from Jackson, Tennessee, who pledged his commitment to the Big Orange.
Smith is ranked as the No. 850 overall prospect, the No. 126 wide receiver, and the No. 27 player in Tennessee, according to the On3/Rivals industry database.
Despite the modest rankings, Smith’s film was enough to catch the attention of coaches across the SEC, earning him scholarship offers from six conference programs. In addition to Tennessee, he received offers from Arkansas, Missouri, Kentucky, Mississippi State, and Vanderbilt. Ultimately, he chose the Vols over the Razorbacks and Tigers.
While Smith has received offers to play both wide receiver and defensive back, it appears he’ll be heading to Knoxville with plans to play on the defensive side of the ball. That’s notable, considering Tennessee initially offered him as a wide receiver during his sophomore year. Then again, versatility is always a valuable asset when looking to carve out a role on a college roster.
With Smith’s pledge, Heupel now has 18 commitments in the 2026 class, including seven from in-state prospects.
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