The Tennessee Volunteers are making a strong push for one of the top prospects in the 2026 recruiting class: wide receiver Craig Dandridge Jr. The 4-star receiver from Georgia has been turning heads with his impressive high school performance and has quickly become a key target for the Vols in their pursuit of top-tier talent. We recently caught up with Dandridge to get a preview of his upcoming visits and learn more about his thoughts on Tennessee’s program.
Tennessee’s Strong Recruiting Presence in Georgia
The Volunteers have long had success recruiting in the state of Georgia, and the 2026 class is no different. Tennessee’s potential starting quarterback, Jake Merklinger, hails from Georgia, and linebacker Jeremiah Telander, who is expected to be one of the leaders on the Vols’ defense in 2025, is also a Georgia native. This connection to the Peach State has been crucial for Tennessee, and it looks like the trend will continue as the Volunteers aim to secure more talent from the state.
In fact, after signing seven players from Georgia in the 2025 class, Tennessee is once again eyeing top prospects from the state for the 2026 recruiting cycle. One of those players is Craig Dandridge Jr., a rising star who is quickly climbing up recruiting boards.
A Closer Look at Craig Dandridge Jr.
Dandridge is an electrifying 6’1”, 175-pound wide receiver who has had an outstanding high school career. During his junior season, he racked up over 1,400 yards receiving, showing off his big-play ability and consistent production. But his skill set doesn’t end with his ability to catch passes; Dandridge is also a standout track athlete, running a 10.84 in the 100m, which makes him one of the fastest prospects in the entire 2026 class. With his combination of size, speed, and talent, it’s no surprise that Dandridge has become one of the most sought-after recruits in the country.
As Dandridge prepares for his senior season at Cambridge High School, he is also getting ready for a busy summer of official visits. He plans to visit a number of schools, including Tennessee, before making his final decision on where he will play at the next level.
Tennessee’s Offense Appeals to Dandridge
When discussing his interest in Tennessee, Dandridge spoke highly of the Vols’ offense and how it aligns with his playing style.
“I like how they play the game, man,” Dandridge said. “I really like the offense that they had. Like, they take deep shots. You know, we take a lot of deep shots here in high school. To not like that type of offense… they like to trust their wide receivers. A lot of schools are really shaky about passing, but they really showcase their wide receivers and what they can do. They play hard-nosed football.”
Dandridge’s comments are a clear indication that he values Tennessee’s approach to offense, which emphasizes big plays and taking deep shots downfield. This style of play suits Dandridge’s skill set perfectly, as he has the speed and playmaking ability to stretch the field and create explosive plays.
Additionally, Tennessee’s need for wide receiver depth in the upcoming seasons is something Dandridge has taken into consideration. With several wide receivers expected to leave via the draft or transfer portal, the Vols will be looking to add talented players like Dandridge to their roster.
“I always take into account how many receivers they have currently on the roster. How many left for the draft? How many left for the portal? How many are also committed?” Dandridge said. This level of awareness shows that Dandridge is taking a strategic approach to his recruitment, carefully evaluating how each program can provide him with the opportunities he is looking for.
Building Relationships with Tennessee’s Coaching Staff
Beyond the football field, Dandridge has enjoyed his conversations with Tennessee’s coaching staff, including head coach Josh Heupel. According to Dandridge, his discussions with the coaches have not only been about football but have also focused on life and personal growth.
“It’s been a real, real, real conversation,” Dandridge said. “You know, not much about ball, about life in general. You know, how to be a man, how to handle certain situations with family. Track is always in the mix with it, just seeing how I’m doing and stuff like that.”
This deeper connection with the coaching staff, built on trust and understanding, has played a crucial role in Dandridge’s growing interest in Tennessee. It’s clear that Dandridge is looking for more than just a place to play football; he’s seeking a program that will help him grow as a person and support him both on and off the field.
Looking Ahead to Dandridge’s Visits
As Dandridge prepares for his official visits this summer, Tennessee will have an opportunity to further solidify their place in his recruitment. With the Vols’ offensive system, coaching staff, and need for a dynamic wide receiver like Dandridge, Tennessee is certainly in a strong position to make a lasting impression.
However, Dandridge is also considering other top programs, and his decision will likely come down to the school that offers him the best combination of athletic and personal growth opportunities. As one of the fastest-rising prospects in the 2026 class, Dandridge’s recruitment will be closely watched by college football fans across the country, and Tennessee is squarely in the mix for his services.
For Vols fans, Dandridge’s potential commitment would be a huge win, as it would add a dynamic and talented playmaker to an already exciting program. As his recruitment continues to unfold, all eyes will be on Dandridge’s upcoming visits and his decision on where to take his talents for the next chapter of his football career.
Stay tuned as Craig Dandridge Jr. gets ready to make his official visits and take the next step in his recruitment.