Tristen Keys, a 6-foot-2, 175-pound five-star wide receiver from Hattiesburg High School in Mississippi, is creating a buzz as the No. 1 overall prospect in his state’s 2026 class. Texas A&M is making waves in the recruitment race for one of the most sought-after high school athletes in the Class of 2026. Leading sports outlets like On3, 247Sports, and ESPN all agree on Keys’ remarkable talent and potential.
Keys’ Top Choices: Texas A&M, Alabama, and Tennessee
During this week’s Under Armour All-America Game check-in, Keys revealed to 247Sports and On3 that Texas A&M, Alabama, and Tennessee have stood out during his recruitment journey. Keys shared his glowing impressions of Texas A&M after visiting College Station three times:
“Texas A&M is a school I visited three times for games and I loved it,” Keys told On3’s Chad Simmons. “There are a lot of great opportunities and connections there. The staff and environment are great, and the 12th Man is a real thing in their stadium. The fans are loud, they give great support, and they’ve made a lot of progress under coach [Mike] Elko.”
Keys also expressed admiration for Texas A&M wide receivers coach Holmon Wiggins, who has built a reputation for developing first-round NFL talent. “If I go there, I can be one of those guys for him,” Keys added.
Athletic Versatility Sets Keys Apart
What makes Keys even more impressive is his dual-sport excellence. On the track, he competes in the high jump, triple jump, and 110-meter hurdles, earning a bronze medal in the high jump with a leap of six feet in Mississippi’s Class 6A state competition.
On the football field, Keys showcases his dynamic route-running ability and excels at making highly contested catches. According to 247Sports’ scouting report, Keys’ athleticism and versatility make him a standout among his peers.
A Potential Game-Changer for Texas A&M
Though the early signing period for the Class of 2026 is still a long way off, landing Keys would be a monumental win for the Aggies. Currently, Texas A&M’s recruiting class is ranked No. 2 by 247Sports and No. 4 by On3. Adding Keys as their first blue-chip prospect would solidify their recruiting dominance and bolster their future roster.
Keys’ Commitment Timeline
While Tristen Keys has expressed a preference for SEC programs like Texas A&M, he’s keeping his options open. He plans to visit USC and Georgia in January, along with other official visits. However, Keys has set a clear timeline for his decision:
“I plan to commit right after official visits,” Keys told On3. “I want to commit before August hits and before the season starts.”
As the recruitment race heats up, Texas A&M will undoubtedly keep a close eye on the talented wide receiver, hoping to secure his commitment before the 2026 season begins.