KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee football’s 2026 recruiting class continues to generate national attention — but one of the Vols’ top commitments, four-star athlete Legend Bey, has sparked conversation after being spotted at Ohio State this past weekend.
According to Rivals, Bey, who committed to the University of Tennessee on June 28, 2025, made an official visit to Columbus during the Buckeyes’ win over Penn State — a move that has Vol Nation buzzing about where the dynamic Texan’s allegiance might ultimately land.
Bey, who ranks as a four-star prospect on the 247Sports Composite, is listed as the No. 361 overall player in the 2026 class, the No. 24 athlete nationally, and the No. 47 player from the state of Texas. He currently stars for North Forney High School, where his athletic versatility has made him one of the most exciting players in the Dallas-area prep scene.
While Tennessee receivers coach Kelsey Pope has been leading Bey’s recruitment and projecting him to play wide receiver in Knoxville, the 5-foot-10.5, 175-pound standout has been a star quarterback for North Forney. His ability to command an offense, make reads on the fly, and create explosive plays with his legs earned him Texas District 10-6A Offensive MVP honors as a junior — a remarkable feat in one of the state’s most competitive regions.
Still, Bey’s long-term potential is viewed through the lens of his athleticism and speed. With a background in track and field, he brings elite acceleration and agility — traits that could make him a dangerous slot receiver at the college level. Despite not having prototypical size, his combination of quickness, elusiveness, and playmaking instincts have made him a top priority for the Vols’ 2026 class.
“Legend Bey is the kind of guy who can change a game in an instant,” one Tennessee staffer reportedly told RTI earlier this fall. “He’s explosive, he’s smart, and he fits the tempo and creativity we want to continue building in this offense.”
The Vols’ wide receiver room of the future is already shaping up to be among the best in the nation. Tennessee currently holds three other commitments at the position, led by Tristen Keys — a five-star phenom who ranks as the No. 1 receiver in the country. Keys, a massive recruiting win for the Vols, flipped his commitment from LSU earlier this year, sending a strong message about Tennessee’s growing influence under head coach Josh Heupel.
The second major name in the Vols’ receiving corps is Salesi Moa, a versatile athlete who, at one time, was a five-star prospect himself. Now ranked as the No. 42 overall player, Moa brings two-way potential — capable of contributing on both sides of the ball, though Tennessee’s staff plans to give him a look at receiver first.
Closer to home, Knoxville Catholic’s own Tyreek King rounds out the trio. The four-star slot receiver has been a local standout and could see early playing time thanks to his refined route running and connection to the program.
With Bey, that makes four wideouts in a class that already ranks No. 4 nationally according to 247Sports’ composite team rankings — a testament to the depth and balance Tennessee has built on the recruiting trail.
Yet Bey’s trip to Ohio State does introduce a new wrinkle. Recruiting experts often caution that high-profile prospects taking visits elsewhere after committing isn’t unusual — particularly in the age of NIL and ever-shifting transfer dynamics. Still, Tennessee fans have reason to keep an eye on how this situation unfolds, given the Buckeyes’ reputation for producing elite wide receivers and the allure of their offensive system.
Bey’s official visit to Columbus reportedly included meetings with Ohio State offensive coordinator Chip Kelly and wide receivers coach Brian Hartline, whose reputation for developing NFL-ready talent is unmatched. According to sources, Bey was in attendance for Ohio State’s 31-20 victory over Penn State and received significant attention from the Buckeye staff throughout the weekend.
Whether the visit was a genuine exploration or simply a chance to enjoy a high-profile game day atmosphere remains to be seen. However, Bey’s existing relationship with Kelsey Pope and his strong ties to Tennessee’s staff could ultimately keep him solid in the orange and white.
During his initial commitment announcement this past June, Bey spoke glowingly about his experience in Knoxville and his relationship with the Vols’ coaching staff. “Coach Heupel and Coach Pope really made me feel like family,” Bey said at the time. “They believe in me, and I believe in what they’re building at Tennessee.”
That sense of connection may be the deciding factor as recruiting heats up. Tennessee’s offensive system under Heupel — known for its tempo, spacing, and ability to feature multiple receivers — is tailor-made for a player of Bey’s skill set. His shiftiness and field vision could make him an ideal candidate for the slot role, similar to how the Vols have previously utilized dynamic athletes to exploit mismatches in open space.
In addition to his on-field impact, Bey’s commitment symbolizes Tennessee’s growing footprint in Texas, a crucial recruiting battleground. The Vols’ ability to land and potentially retain a top-50 player from the Lone Star State underscores the national reach of their program.
For now, Bey remains listed as “committed” to Tennessee on both 247Sports and Rivals, but recruiting insiders expect both schools — and possibly others — to stay in the mix until signing day.
With more than a year before the 2026 cycle concludes, the Vols’ challenge will be to keep Bey locked in amid continued attention from powerhouses like Ohio State and Texas A&M.
Still, if Tennessee can maintain its hold on Bey and fellow playmakers like Keys, Moa, and King, the future of the Vols’ offense could be among the most explosive in the SEC — and perhaps the nation.
As the race for elite recruits intensifies, one thing is certain: Legend Bey’s name is one fans in both Knoxville and Columbus won’t soon forget.
Leave a Reply