Tennessee Vols are one of the early teams standing out for a talented 2026 defensive back

The Tennessee Vols are one of the programs standing out early for a talented 2026 defensive back from Texas. 

2026 four-star safety Isaiah Williams is still in the early stages of his recruitment, but a couple of schools are already standing out for the 6-foot-1/180 lb defensive back. 

Williams, who is from Missouri City, TX, told On3 this week that Michigan State, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, and Texas A&M have made strong impressions on him. 

Tennessee extended an offer to Williams back in March. For now, though, the Vols appear to be trailing Oklahoma, Texas, and Texas A&M in this recruiting battle. But if Tennessee can get Williams on campus, the Vols could quickly vault to the top of the list for the Texas native. 

One thing that will be a major factor in Williams' decision is stability. He told 247Sports in April that he wants to commit to a program where he knows the coach won't be leaving anytime soon. 

"As far as my commitment to you, you have to be committed to me, too," said Williams to 247Sports. "Just being there for me, and making sure that I know you're not going to leave as soon as I get there a year or two later. For me, I'm committing for a coach. I don't want to go somewhere where I play for him in one season and he goes somewhere else."

When it comes to stability and coaching staff continuity, Tennessee is as good as it gets in college football.