Tristen Keys, a five-star wide receiver from Hattiesburg High School in Mississippi, has recently narrowed his list of potential college destinations to 12 programs. The schools still in contention for his commitment are Alabama, LSU, Tennessee, Georgia, Mississippi State, Oklahoma, Texas A&M, Florida, Ole Miss, Auburn, USC, and Miami.
Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 185 pounds, Keys is ranked as the No. 7 overall prospect and the No. 2 wide receiver in the 2026 class, according to the On3 Industry Rankings.
His junior season statistics are impressive, with 58 receptions for 1,245 yards and 14 touchdowns, underscoring his significant impact on the field.
In addition to his football prowess, Keys is a multi-sport athlete, participating in track and field as well as basketball. He was a 2023 Mississippi 6A state qualifier in the high jump, triple jump, and 110-meter hurdles, securing a bronze medal in the high jump that year.
Keys has been proactive in his recruitment process, visiting several campuses to assess their programs firsthand. He has made visits to Tennessee, Alabama, Texas A&M, Ole Miss, Auburn, and LSU. Notably, he announced plans to visit Auburn, indicating a continued interest in evaluating his options.
The On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine currently favors Ole Miss, giving them a 39.2% chance of securing Keys’ commitment. Following Ole Miss are Auburn (17.6%), Tennessee (15.1%), LSU (6.6%), Alabama (6.6%), and Texas Tech (6.6%).
Keys has expressed a desire to make his college decision before his senior season, allowing him to focus on his final high school year with his future plans settled.
As the recruitment process progresses, Keys’ combination of athleticism, performance, and versatility makes him a highly sought-after prospect. His final decision will be closely watched by college football enthusiasts and could significantly impact the program he chooses to join.
