Jayshawn Mitchell Names Tennessee in Top 15 Schools

The nation's top-ranked running back prospect narrows his recruitment list from 35 schools to 15 finalists.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Football

Expressive editorial sports illustration of a high school running back running with a football, capturing the energy of college recruitment. — Running back recruit Jayshawn Mitchell has included the University of Tennessee in his top 15 school finalists for the 2028 recruitment cycle. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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William J. Brennan High School standout Jayshawn Mitchell has officially narrowed his list of potential colleges to 15 schools, including the University of Tennessee. This development comes as top recruits solidify their preferences for the 2028 cycle.

Why it matters

Mitchell is widely considered the best running back recruit in the country, making his list reduction a significant milestone for programs vying for his commitment. His inclusion of Tennessee follows the school's formal scholarship offer extended to him in late September.

Mitchell has recorded 1,036 rushing yards and 24 rushing touchdowns across eight games this season. Additionally, he has tallied 326 receiving yards and five receiving touchdowns during the same period.

The players

Jayshawn Mitchell

He is the top-ranked running back recruit in the country and a standout player at William J. Brennan High School in San Antonio.

Tennessee

This is a public research university that competes in the Southeastern Conference and is actively recruiting high-profile athletes.

John Matthews

He is a high school football recruit who recently released his own top 12 list of prospective universities.

The details

The San Antonio-based running back has been active in his search, having already visited campuses including Georgia, Texas, Ohio State, Texas A&M, and SMU this season. While other prospects like David Gabriel-Georges and Asa Barnes have already committed to Tennessee, Mitchell continues to evaluate his options.

September 28: Tennessee officially offered a scholarship to Jayshawn Mitchell.
This weekend: Jayshawn Mitchell is scheduled to visit the University of Oklahoma in Norman.

Season Trajectory

Mitchell's list reduction highlights the intensification of the 2028 high school football recruiting cycle. His decision-making process influences the competitive landscape for major programs looking to bolster their future rosters.

Fans tracking the 2028 recruiting class should note that Mitchell will visit Oklahoma this weekend, which may impact his standing with other finalists. His high-volume production of 29 total touchdowns in just eight games makes him a critical prospect for any team's future offensive strategy.

The takeaway

The narrowing of a recruit's list is a crucial step in the high-stakes world of college football recruiting. Fans and programs alike often use these public lists to gauge which teams are genuinely in the hunt for top-tier talent.