Tennessee football has made a strategic addition to its 2026 roster with the signing of UT Martin tight end Drake Martinez, just in time for spring practice. Martinez was present at UT’s first session on March 16, although he’ll need to complete the NCAA-mandated acclimatization period before hitting the field.
A UT spokesperson confirmed that Martinez signed last week and has recently enrolled. The university offers a mini-session, allowing students to complete a course in a condensed format from March 18 to May 7, which Martinez is taking advantage of.
Martinez becomes the 21st transfer to join the Vols this offseason. Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 240 pounds, the Houston native was a three-star recruit in the 2021 class and has had quite the journey since then.
Tennessee marks the sixth stop in Martinez’s college career, which has seen him redshirt to extend his eligibility. His previous stints include two seasons at Colorado State, and one season each at McNeese State, Houston Christian, and UT Martin.
In the last two seasons, Martinez showcased his abilities with 16 receptions for 142 yards and two touchdowns at Houston Christian in 2024, followed by 18 catches for 124 yards and two touchdowns at UT Martin in 2025.
Martinez is expected to bolster the tight end group, with Tennessee looking to leverage his skills as a physical blocker. The Vols are tasked with replacing key players like Miles Kitselman, who has exhausted his eligibility, and Jack Van Dorselaer, who transferred to Oklahoma.
Returning to the squad are pass-catching tight ends Ethan Davis and DaSaahn Brame, along with reserve Cole Harrison. The team also strengthened its lineup by adding South Alabama transfer Trent Thomas and 2026 signee Luca Wolf.