The recruitment saga of four-star athlete Legend Bey took another chaotic turn Monday as reports emerged that the Texas standout has requested a release from his National Letter of Intent with the Tennessee Volunteers, alleging he never intended to sign with the program.
Bey, a top prospect from Forney, Texas, officially signed with Tennessee on Dec. 3 in a stunning National Signing Day flip, spurning an earlier commitment to Ohio State. However, new reports suggest the decision may not have been his own.
According to On3 national recruiting analyst Sam Spiegelman, Bey has formally requested his release from the university, with allegations circulating that a family member—potentially his mother—may have forged his signature on the binding document.
“They have requested their letter of release from Tennessee and they are waiting for Tennessee to confirm this,” Spiegelman reported Monday. “This is in the works, whether it was his mother or somebody else who forged his signature, Tennessee got a signature on national signing day.”
The dispute centers on a turbulent month of recruiting for the versatile 5-foot-10, 175-pound athlete. Bey had originally flipped his commitment from Tennessee to Ohio State on Nov. 10, only to apparently flip back to the Volunteers at the eleventh hour on Signing Day.
Sources indicate that Bey’s preference remained with the Buckeyes throughout the process, but he faced significant pressure from his family to choose Tennessee.
If Tennessee grants the release, Bey is widely expected to return to Ohio State’s 2026 recruiting class. The Buckeyes view him as an offensive weapon comparable to former standout Curtis Samuel, capable of playing both running back and wide receiver. Bey boasts elite speed, having clocked a 10.23-second time in the 100 meters.
As of Monday afternoon, Tennessee had not publicly commented on the status of Bey’s letter of intent or the validity of the signature.
