Tristen Keys, a top-tier wide receiver from Hattiesburg, Mississippi, is making waves in the college football recruiting world. This five-star athlete has lined up official visits to six big-name schools: LSU, Tennessee, Texas A&M, Miami, Alabama, and Auburn.
Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 185 pounds, Keys recently shared with On3’s Chad Simmons that Alabama is pretty high on his list. Why? It’s all about the people. “They’re organized, they hold each other accountable, and going to a place like Alabama can help you grow up and take responsibility,” he said. “The staff was awesome, the facilities were impressive, and the players were just great to hang out with. I felt comfortable there, and I had a blast.”
But Alabama isn’t the only school catching his eye. Auburn made a solid impression too, especially during his visit at the end of January. “Today was great,” he mentioned to Auburn Live. “I got to hang out with some of the guys, just trying to see how I’d fit in. The vibe was awesome. I could really see myself here with players like Anquon Fegans and Deuce Knight.”
Now, let’s talk stats. **Keys is the No. 6 overall prospect in the 2026 cycle**, according to the On3 Industry Ranking. This ranking is a big deal because it combines insights from all four major recruiting media companies. He’s not just any player—he’s the No. 2 receiver in his class and the top recruit in Mississippi.
As Keys continues to explore his options, one can’t help but wonder where he’ll ultimately land. Will it be the powerhouse that is Alabama, or could Auburn’s warm welcome sway him? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure: wherever he goes, this young star is set to shine.
