The NCAA transfer portal window for the 2026 cycle officially closed on January 16, wrapping up a critical two-week stretch that reshaped rosters across the college football landscape. While players can still commit to new programs after entering the portal, the window to declare has come and gone - and now it’s time to take stock of the movement.
According to ESPN’s Craig Haubert, Tennessee landed the No. 20 transfer class in the country, a solid haul in a year when the Southeastern Conference once again dominated the rankings. The SEC placed 12 teams in the top 25, including LSU at No.
1, Texas at No. 4, and Ole Miss at No. 7.
That’s a loud statement about the league’s continued pull in the portal era - and Tennessee held its own in that crowded field.
The headliner for the Vols isn’t just who they brought in, but who they brought in with. After a rough defensive showing in 2025, Tennessee made a big splash by hiring Jim Knowles away from Penn State to take over as defensive coordinator.
And Knowles didn’t come alone. Four of his former Nittany Lion defenders followed him to Knoxville, giving the Vols some much-needed reinforcements - and familiarity - on that side of the ball.
Let’s start with freshman edge rusher Chaz Coleman. At 6-foot-4 and 240 pounds, Coleman arrives with one of the highest ceilings in the entire portal class.
He’s got the kind of physical tools coaches dream about - explosive off the edge, fluid in space, and still growing into his frame. He’s raw, sure, but the upside is undeniable.
If Knowles can tap into that potential early, Tennessee may have landed a future star.
Joining Coleman are linebacker Amare Campbell and defensive tackle Xavier Gilliam, two more former Penn State defenders who know Knowles’ system inside and out. That kind of continuity matters, especially when overhauling a defense. Add in safety Dejuan Lane, and Tennessee has plugged gaps at every level of the unit with players who’ve already played under the new coordinator.
But the Vols didn’t stop there. They also added cornerback Kayin Lee from Auburn, a physical, aggressive defender with good length and speed. He’s the kind of corner who thrives in press coverage and isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty in run support - a perfect fit for what Knowles likes to do schematically.
Of course, the portal works both ways, and Tennessee saw its fair share of departures. The outgoing list is long and includes several notable names, especially on the offensive line and defensive front.
Players like Boo Carter (Colorado), Jamal Wallace (Utah), and Max Anderson (Kentucky) are among the more prominent exits. The Vols also lost quarterback Jake Merklinger to UConn and running back Peyton Lewis to Virginia, part of a broader reshuffling of offensive depth.
Still, for every departure, Tennessee found answers. Offensive line help came in the form of Ory Williams (LSU) and Donovan Haslam (West Virginia).
The defensive line got a boost not just from the ex-Penn Staters, but also Jordan Norman (Tulane). In the secondary, Tevis Metcalf (Michigan), TJ Metcalf (Michigan), and DJ Burks (Appalachian State) add depth and versatility.
The Vols even added a new quarterback in Ryan Staub (Colorado), a move that quietly strengthens the room following Merklinger’s exit. And don’t overlook Gavin Freeman, a wide receiver who transferred in from Oklahoma State after a stint at Baylor. He brings speed and playmaking ability to a receiving corps that’s seen some turnover of its own.
All told, Tennessee’s transfer class reflects a clear strategy: rebuild the defense with players who already know the system, plug holes with experienced depth, and stay competitive in an SEC that’s only getting stronger. The Vols may not have cracked the top 10, but this is a class built with purpose - and one that could pay dividends quickly if Knowles gets his unit humming.
With spring ball around the corner, Tennessee fans won’t have to wait long to see how these new pieces fit together. But one thing’s already clear: the Vols are betting big on familiarity, upside, and a defensive reset. In a league where margins are razor thin, that could be the difference between another middle-of-the-pack finish and a real climb up the SEC ladder.