**2026 Defensive Lineman SHOCKS Everyone by Naming Tennessee in His Top 3—Is This the Most Unlikely Decision Ever?**
The world of college football recruiting is no stranger to surprises, but 2026 four-star defensive lineman Marcus Carter dropped a bombshell on Wednesday by naming the Tennessee Volunteers in his top three schools. Joining recruiting powerhouses Alabama and Georgia, Tennessee’s inclusion came as a shock to analysts and fans alike.
Carter, a 6’5”, 290-pound force of nature from Houston, Texas, has been on the radar of every major program since his sophomore year. Known for his explosive first step and ability to dominate the trenches, Carter had long been considered a lock for SEC juggernauts like Alabama or Georgia, who have both prioritized him in their 2026 recruiting efforts. Tennessee, however, was widely viewed as an outside contender, given its recent struggles to consistently challenge for SEC supremacy.
But Carter’s announcement flipped the script. “Tennessee has shown me something different,” Carter said in an interview with *247Sports*. “Coach [Josh] Heupel and his staff have made me feel like a priority, and they’ve shared a vision for how I’d fit in their defense. It’s not just about football—it’s about family and development.”
The Volunteers’ coaching staff, particularly defensive line coach Rodney Garner, has been relentless in their pursuit of Carter, reportedly visiting him multiple times during the evaluation period and building strong relationships with his family. Garner’s history of developing NFL-caliber talent may have played a significant role in swaying Carter’s opinion.
While Tennessee’s recruiting momentum has improved in recent years, they still face an uphill battle against Alabama and Georgia, programs that routinely churn out NFL stars. Recruiting insiders have described Carter’s decision as one of the boldest in recent memory.
Could this signal a shift in Tennessee’s recruiting strategy? Only time will tell if the Volunteers can seal the deal, but one thing is clear: Marcus Carter’s top three decision has left the college football world buzzing.
