Tennessee Already Has A Pass Rush Problem Fans Didn't Expect

Despite being sidelined, former Tennessee player Chaz Coleman's workout videos fuel hopes for his uncertain football future.

Chaz Coleman is back in the weight room and back on social media, even if his football future remains unsettled.

The former Tennessee transfer target, who chose the Vols over LSU, Ohio State and others this offseason, is no longer part of the program after leaving in June. On3โ€™s Chris Low reported Coleman was medically disqualified from competing for Tennessee this season, and the defensive end had not gone through much of spring practice or summer workouts before stepping away.

For now, there is no route for Coleman to suit up in college football this season. The transfer portal was already closed when he left Tennessee, and while he could technically join another program, he would not be eligible to play.

Coleman posted workout videos on X on Wednesday, signaling that he is back training after a stretch in which it was unclear whether he would play again.

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  • Chaz Coleman (@chazcoleman_) August 12, 2026

If Coleman does keep his career going, the most likely next step would come in January, when the transfer portal opens following the 2026 season.

At Penn State last season, the 6-foot-4, 250-pound defensive end put together a productive freshman year, finishing with eight tackles, three tackles for loss, two fumble recoveries, a sack and a forced fumble. In nine appearances, he led all FBS freshmen in pass-rush grade with a 90.3 mark, according to PFF.

Coleman entered the portal ranked No. 17 overall and No. 3 among edge rushers by 247sports. Coming out of Warren High School, he was a four-star prospect, the No. 27 edge rusher and the No. 10 player in Ohio.

With Coleman off the roster, Tennessee now has to replace the production and potential he brought with him. The Vols are especially counting on Tulane transfer Jordan Norman to deliver a big senior season.

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