The transfer portal has been buzzing this offseason, and Tennessee football has been right in the thick of it. With 28 players heading out and 18 new faces coming in, it’s been a whirlwind of roster movement for Josh Heupel’s program.
Some of the departures were expected depth losses, others were projected starters. On the flip side, the Vols have brought in a mix of plug-and-play talent and long-term developmental pieces as they continue to reshape their roster heading into next season.
Let’s break it down.
Who’s Out: The Departures
Tennessee has seen a wide range of talent exit through the portal-players who were penciled in as starters, guys who were likely to see rotational snaps, and others who added depth to key position groups. Here’s where they’ve landed:
Defensive Backs:
- Boo Carter is heading to Colorado, giving Coach Prime another versatile athlete to work with.
- Marcus Goree Jr. is off to Troy, while Colin Brazzell will suit up for Abilene Christian.
- Kaleb Beasley committed to Louisville, and Rickey Gibson III is bound for Texas A&M.
Defensive Line & EDGE:
- Jamal Wallace joins Utah’s front, and Josh Schell is heading to UCF.
- The LEO position took a hit with Caleb Herring (South Carolina), Emmanuel Okoye (Cal), Jayden Loftin (Wisconsin), and Jordan Ross (LSU) all finding new homes.
- Herb Gray will be playing for UNLV.
Linebackers:
- Brenden Anes is going to Western Michigan.
Offensive Line:
- Max Anderson and Lance Heard are both joining SEC rival Kentucky.
- Bennett Warren is off to Minnesota, William Satterwhite to LSU, and Brian Grant to Memphis.
Quarterback & Skill Positions:
- Jake Merklinger will continue his career at UConn.
- Peyton Lewis, a promising back, committed to Virginia.
- Wideouts Tommy Winton III and Trey Weary are heading to ETSU, while Braylon Harmon is off to Austin Peay.
- Jack Van Dorselaer, a tight end, committed to Oklahoma.
Special Teams:
- Kicker Max Gilbert is now with Arkansas.
Still on the Board: Three players remain uncommitted: LEO Kellen Lindstrom, OL Trevor Duncan, and WR Amari Jefferson. Their next moves will be worth watching, especially for programs still looking to bolster depth before spring ball.
Who’s In: The Additions
Tennessee hasn’t just been a portal casualty-they’ve been active on the recruiting trail, too. The Vols have brought in 18 players, many of whom could make an immediate impact.
Secondary Reinforcements:
- Safety Qua Moss (Kansas State) and Dejuan Lane (Penn State) bring experience and physicality to the back end.
- TJ Metcalf and Tevis Metcalf, both from Michigan, will add depth and versatility at safety and DB.
- Kayin Lee, a corner from Auburn, is a potential starter.
- Isaiah Hardge (Colorado) is listed as a CB/WR, giving Tennessee some flexibility.
Front Seven Upgrades:
- EDGE rushers Chaz Coleman and Jordan Norman (Penn State and Tulane, respectively) bring juice to the pass rush.
- DL Xavier Gilliam (Penn State) and LB Amare Campbell (also Penn State) continue the Nittany Lion pipeline.
- Blake Howard, a long snapper/linebacker hybrid from EKU, adds special teams depth.
Offensive Line & Backfield:
- Ory Williams (LSU) and Donovan Haslam (West Virginia) help restock the trenches.
- Javin Gordon (Tulane) joins the running back room, bringing a mix of speed and vision.
Skill Positions & Special Teams:
- Trent Thomas (South Alabama) adds size and athleticism at tight end.
- DJ Burks (App State) is another safety with upside.
- Cooper Ranvier, a kicker from Louisville, gives Tennessee a leg with range.
- Ryan Staub, a quarterback from Colorado, enters a competitive QB room with a chance to carve out a role.
The Big Picture
This portal cycle has been a balancing act for Tennessee. Losing 28 players is no small thing-especially when it includes potential starters and future contributors. But Heupel and his staff have worked quickly to refill the cupboard, targeting players who fit their system and can make an impact right away.
The influx of Penn State defenders stands out, particularly in the secondary and at linebacker. That’s a unit that needed help, and the Vols have clearly prioritized experience and physicality on that side of the ball.
On offense, the additions in the trenches and the backfield should provide more flexibility, especially with some of the younger talent stepping into bigger roles. And while the loss of a quarterback like Merklinger is notable, the arrival of Ryan Staub gives Tennessee another arm to develop or plug in if needed.
There’s still work to do-especially with a few uncommitted names still floating in the portal-but Tennessee’s aggressive approach has kept them competitive in what’s become a year-round roster-building game.
In today’s college football landscape, the portal is as critical as high school recruiting. And if this cycle is any indication, the Vols are treating it like a priority-not an afterthought.