Tennessee’s been busy in the transfer portal this offseason, and while the Vols have landed a solid haul of 18 new additions so far, not every target is making their way to Knoxville. One name that won’t be wearing orange and white next season: former Ohio State safety Cody Haddad.
Haddad, a young prospect with four years of eligibility remaining, has committed to Iowa. The former Buckeye made his decision after visits to both Tennessee and Iowa, and had been in the process of lining up additional visits to Nebraska and Texas A&M when he entered the portal.
Coming out of St. Ignatius High School in Cleveland, Haddad was rated as a three-star recruit by 247Sports.
He was ranked the No. 53 safety in his class and the No. 25 overall player in the state of Ohio. His high school tape showed a versatile defender with a nose for the football and the kind of athleticism that jumps off the screen.
With a background in track and time spent at receiver, Haddad brings a unique blend of closing speed and ball skills. He’s not afraid to get physical either-he’ll come downhill to support the run and isn’t shy about playing man coverage when needed.
There’s still some physical development ahead, but the foundation is there for a Power Five contributor who can be used creatively across a defensive scheme.
While Tennessee missed out on Haddad, the Vols have made major strides in revamping their secondary through the portal. Josh Heupel and his staff have been aggressive in targeting proven talent, and they’ve brought in a deep and diverse group of defensive backs.
Among the newcomers: Kansas State’s Qua Moss, Auburn’s Kayin Lee, Penn State’s Dejuan Lane, Michigan’s TJ and Tevis Metcalf, Appalachian State’s DJ Burks, and Colorado’s Isaiah Hardge. That’s a mix of experience, versatility, and upside, and it should go a long way in bolstering a unit that needed reinforcements.
And it’s not just about the new faces. Tennessee also returns Edrees Farooq and Ty Redmond, both of whom started games last season. That returning experience, paired with the influx of portal talent, gives the Vols a much deeper and more competitive defensive backfield heading into 2026.
So while Haddad won’t be part of the picture in Knoxville, Tennessee’s secondary makeover is still very much on track. The Vols have addressed key needs with a mix of youth and experience, and they’re shaping a unit that should be faster, more physical, and better equipped to handle the challenges of SEC play.