Tennessee football didn’t just dip into the transfer portal this offseason - they dove in headfirst. And now that the dust has mostly settled, we’re starting to get a clearer picture of just how impactful this new wave of talent could be for the Vols heading into 2026.
Two of Tennessee’s biggest portal pickups - edge rusher Chaz Coleman and defensive lineman Xavier Gilliam - landed inside the top 50 of CBS analyst Cooper Petagna’s top-100 transfers list, with Coleman making a particularly loud statement at No. 7 overall. Both defenders arrive from Penn State and will reunite with defensive coordinator Jim Knowles in Knoxville, a connection that could pay serious dividends this fall.
Let’s start with Coleman, who’s arguably the most intriguing addition of the bunch. As a true freshman last season, he didn’t rack up eye-popping stats - eight tackles, one sack, and a forced fumble - but what he did with limited opportunities turned heads.
Coleman played just 150 snaps, yet still posted one of the highest pass-rush win rates in the country, according to Pro Football Focus. That’s the kind of efficiency you don’t often see from a first-year player.
Petagna called Coleman “unquestionably the biggest projection of this cycle,” and it’s easy to see why. At 6-foot-4 with elite burst off the edge, Coleman brings a rare blend of size, speed, and twitch that’s tailor-made for Knowles’ aggressive scheme.
His 81.1 PFF grade as a freshman backs up the tape - this kid can play. And while he’s still raw, the ceiling here is sky-high.
Then there’s Gilliam, who comes in a bit more seasoned. After redshirting his first year at Penn State, he saw significant action in 2025, logging over 400 snaps and flashing real promise along the interior. He finished the season with 16 tackles, half a sack, and a forced fumble, earning a respectable 62.0 PFF grade in the process.
What stands out about Gilliam isn’t just his production - it’s how he moves. At nearly 300 pounds, he’s surprisingly nimble and plays with the kind of lateral quickness that makes him a tough assignment for interior linemen. Petagna noted that Gilliam “emerged under Jim Knowles in year two,” and now he’ll have a chance to take on a bigger role in a Tennessee defensive front that’s young, talented, and still taking shape.
With Gilliam being the only defensive tackle brought in through the portal, he’s got a real shot at cracking the starting lineup. His experience and versatility give the Vols a valuable piece up front - especially in the trenches where depth and rotation are critical.
Altogether, Tennessee has brought in 20 transfer portal commitments this cycle, including a verbal pledge from UT Martin tight end Drake Martinez. That haul currently ranks No. 21 nationally, per 247Sports, and it’s clear the Vols weren’t just adding depth - they were targeting difference-makers.
The real story here is the defensive infusion. With Coleman and Gilliam both following Jim Knowles from Penn State, there’s already a level of familiarity that should ease their transition. And if Coleman lives up to even a fraction of his upside, Tennessee may have landed one of the most impactful edge rushers in the country - not just in the portal, but in all of college football.
The Vols made a statement this offseason: they’re building a defense that can compete in the SEC. And with Knowles calling the shots and talent like Coleman and Gilliam in the fold, Tennessee’s defense might be ready to take a serious step forward in 2026.