Tennessee just added a major piece to its defensive puzzle - and he's already getting acclimated in Knoxville. Former Penn State linebacker Amare Campbell, now the seventh transfer commitment for the Vols this cycle, has officially arrived on campus. Over the weekend, he shared a photo from inside Tennessee’s indoor practice facility, giving fans a first look at his new football home.
Campbell brings experience, production, and a physical edge that could immediately elevate Tennessee’s defense. He’s coming off a standout 2025 season at Penn State, where he led the Nittany Lions with 103 tackles and added three sacks to his stat line. Before his time in Happy Valley, Campbell spent two seasons at North Carolina, making this upcoming campaign his final year of eligibility.
But Campbell’s value goes beyond just the box score. With Tennessee shifting to Jim Knowles’ defensive system, Campbell’s familiarity and success in a similar scheme could be a game-changer.
His ability to read plays, communicate adjustments, and lead by example may be just as important as his ability to wrap up a ball carrier. For a defense in transition, having someone who’s already thrived in this kind of setup is a huge asset.
Campbell is expected to step right into a starting role, likely lining up next to Edwin Spillman - Tennessee’s leading tackler last season as a redshirt freshman. Spillman recently re-upped with the Vols, a move that solidifies the heart of the linebacker unit. Together, Campbell and Spillman give Tennessee a rangy, instinctive duo with the potential to anchor the defense.
Depth behind them is solid, though still developing. Jeremiah Telander, Jadon Perlotte, Jaedon Harmon, Jordan Burns, and Ben Bolton round out the room.
The group took a bit of a hit with Arion Carter’s decision to enter the transfer portal after initially declaring for the NFL Draft. While Carter hasn’t ruled out a return to Knoxville, his departure - at least for now - opens the door for others to step up.
Adding to the mix are two highly touted true freshmen, Brayden Rouse and TJ White. Both were four-star recruits with the kind of athletic upside that could earn them early snaps. While it’s always tough to predict how quickly young linebackers adjust to the speed of the college game, the talent is clearly there.
Campbell won’t be the only former Nittany Lion donning orange this fall. Defensive tackle Xavier Gilliam, safety Dejuan Lane, and edge rusher Chaz Coleman are also making the move from State College to Rocky Top. That kind of continuity - even across position groups - could help Tennessee gel faster as they install Knowles’ system.
For Campbell, this final season is more than just a fresh start - it’s a chance to leave a lasting mark. And for Tennessee, his arrival could be the catalyst that brings their new-look defense together.