Dereon Albert and TJ White, two Mississippi high school friends, committed to Tennessee football, giving the Vols two four-star recruits.
On July 1, at a dedication ceremony held at Jackson Academy in Jackson, Mississippi, they announced their intentions.
White weighs 230 pounds and is 6 feet 2 inches. According to 247Sports Composite, he is rated as the seventh linebacker and the 113th best prospect overall in the 2026 class. He passed on Florida State, Mississippi State, and Auburn in favor of Tennessee.
As a junior in 2024, White, a penetrating linebacker, recorded 21.5 tackles for loss and 11 sacks. In addition to his exceptional athleticism as a sprinter and long jumper in track, he recorded 102 tackles total.
At Tennessee, I already know every player, and I get along well with the coaches. “And my brother, Albert, is with me,” White added. We already have a connection. We had no idea where we would end up when we initially met. However, we will be in the same location.
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Albert weighs 305 pounds and is 6-2. In the 2026 class, he is rated as the 42nd best defensive lineman and the 359th best prospect overall. Tennessee was his preferred option over North Carolina.
Albert has exceptional speed for an interior lineman and is a potent gap-filler. As a junior in 2024, he recorded seven sacks, 17 tackles for loss, and 81 tackles.
“I enjoyed it up there when I first went to UNC (on an official visit),” Albert remarked. However, when I went to Tennessee, it immediately felt like home. My family adored it, and I was adored by Tennessee. When I boarded the plane to depart Knoxville, I knew I liked it and wanted to return. I started to feel at home at that point. Go, Vols.
Here are Tennessee football commitments in 2026 class
Under coach Josh Heupel, Tennessee recruiting is on a roll thanks to White and Albert’s commitment. Since June 27, the Vols have signed six commitments, and it looks like more are coming.
With five-star quarterback Faizon Brandon at the top of the list, UT has now committed 15 players in the 2026 recruiting class.
The Vols received commitments from tight end Carson Sneed, offensive tackle Gabriel Osenda, wide receiver Tyreek King, and edge rusher Zach Groves. The 247Sports Composite gives them a rating of four stars.
The class also features linebacker Braylon Outlaw, offensive lineman Edward Baker, safety Luke Thompson, safety KJ McClain, athlete Legend Bey, edge rusher Kedric Golston, and cornerback Zay Anderson. They have a three-star rating.
Wisconsin Football Loses Out on Strong 2026 DB After Tennessee Commitment Announcement
Wisconsin Football Waiting on Commitment Decisions Following Jamyan Theodore Announcement
A general view of empty seats during the second quarter of the Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. Wisconsin Badgers game at Camp Randall Stadium, Madison, Wisconsin, USA, November 29, 2024. Required Credit: Imagn Images/Jeff Hanisch
Theodore was one of the recruits on the Wisconsin football staff’s list of players who were scheduled to declare their commitments. The Badgers had been in a strong position before receiving a commitment from Zachary Taylor.
Taylor may not acquire another commitment in the group of recruits scheduled to make an announcement because he is a member of the 2026 recruiting class. Jowell Combay and Tony Forney, both of whom attend Kell High School, have kept recruitment specifics under wraps but are expected to make commitment announcements in the days ahead. Due to their ties to Missouri, both recruits are probably going to choose to commit to another college rather than the Badgers.
Nick Reddish, a 2026 three-star safety, recently revealed a July 11th commitment date. The prospect will choose between Notre Dame, Wisconsin, Virginia Tech, and Indiana. Although Virginia Tech has been a very aggressive program and hopes to upset Notre Dame in the competition for Reddish, the Fighting Irish had previously been the favorites to land the recruit.
