Tennessee football made a serious splash in the transfer portal over the weekend, reeling in seven new commitments to bring their 2026 transfer class total to 18. With the roster nearly set and just a handful of spots potentially left to fill, the Vols are shaping up to be one of the more portal-savvy programs heading into next season.
This isn’t just a numbers game either - Tennessee’s haul is loaded with experience and upside. Of the 18 incoming transfers, seven were starters at Power Four programs last season, five more held starting roles elsewhere, and the remaining group were key rotational players or backups from Power Five schools. That’s a deep, versatile influx of talent, and early projections suggest that as many as eight of these newcomers could be in the starting lineup when the Vols kick off the 2026 campaign.
Let’s break down what Tennessee is getting - player by player - and how each transfer performed last season based on PFF grades and snap counts. These aren’t just names; they’re players who could make an immediate impact in Knoxville.
Chaz Coleman, LEO - Penn State
PFF Grade: 81.1 | Snaps: 150
Coleman didn’t see a ton of action last season, but when he was on the field, he made it count. His 81.1 grade would’ve been the second-highest among Tennessee’s LEOs, despite logging just 150 snaps.
That’s quality over quantity - and with more opportunity, Coleman could be a breakout candidate on the edge.
Amare Campbell, Linebacker - Penn State
PFF Grade: 70.8 | Snaps: 760
Campbell brings both production and durability. His 760 snaps would’ve led all Tennessee inside linebackers last year, and his 70.8 grade suggests he wasn’t just out there - he was effective.
Expect him to be a steadying presence in the middle of the defense.
Kayin Lee, Cornerback - Auburn
PFF Grade: 62.7 | Snaps: 582
Lee had a solid year at Auburn, and his snap count shows he was trusted to stay on the field. His grade would’ve slotted him as Tennessee’s fourth-best corner last season - not a lock for a starting job, but definitely in the mix for meaningful reps.
Qua Moss, STAR - Kansas State
PFF Grade: 68.2 | Snaps: 513
Moss is a strong fit for Tennessee’s STAR position - a hybrid role that demands versatility. His grade would’ve ranked second among Vols in that spot, and his 513 snaps show he’s battle-tested.
He’s a strong candidate to step right into a big role.
Ory Williams, Offensive Tackle - LSU
PFF Grade: 57.7 | Snaps: 150
Williams is a developmental piece with upside. His grade and snap count suggest he’s not quite ready to anchor the line, but he adds depth at a premium position.
Tennessee’s coaching staff will be hoping he takes a step forward this offseason.
Xavier Gilliam, Defensive Tackle - Penn State
PFF Grade: 62.0 | Snaps: 409
Gilliam brings both size and experience to the interior. His grade would’ve ranked third among Tennessee’s defensive tackles, and his 409 snaps indicate he was a reliable part of the rotation.
He’s got a real shot to crack the starting lineup.
Dejuan Lane, Safety - Penn State
PFF Grade: 71.0 | Snaps: 290
Lane’s 71.0 grade would’ve been the best among Tennessee safeties last season - and that’s saying something. He didn’t play a full-time role at Penn State, but the efficiency is there.
If he can handle a bigger workload, he could be a difference-maker on the back end.
Blake Howard, Long Snapper - Eastern Kentucky
PFF Grade: 81.3 | Snaps: 73
Special teams matter, and Howard brings elite consistency to the long snapper role. His 81.3 grade would’ve been tops at Tennessee - a small but important upgrade in the third phase of the game.
Cooper Ranvier, Kicker - Louisville
PFF Grade: 89.1 | Snaps: 62
Ranvier comes in with a stellar grade and should immediately compete for kicking duties. An 89.1 grade isn’t just good - it’s elite.
Tennessee’s kicking game just got a serious boost.
Jordan Norman, LEO - Tulane
PFF Grade: 71.9 | Snaps: 447
Norman is another high-upside edge rusher who logged significant time last season. His grade would’ve been third-best among Tennessee’s LEOs, and his 447 snaps suggest he’s ready for a bigger stage.
He could be a key piece in the pass rush rotation.
TJ Metcalf, Safety - Michigan
PFF Grade: 65.9 | Snaps: 718
Metcalf brings a ton of experience with over 700 snaps under his belt. His grade would’ve been second among Tennessee safeties, and his presence adds depth and competition to a suddenly crowded safety room.
Tevis Metcalf, STAR - Michigan
PFF Grade: 67.6 | Snaps: 17
The younger Metcalf didn’t see much action last season, but his limited snaps still earned him a solid grade. He’ll need to prove himself in camp, but the tools are there to develop into a contributor at the STAR position.
DJ Burks, Safety - Appalachian State
PFF Grade: 49.6 | Snaps: 600
Burks has experience, but his grade suggests there’s work to be done. He played a lot - 600 snaps - but struggled in coverage.
He’ll need to raise his level to stick in Tennessee’s deepening secondary.
Isaiah Hardge, WR/CB - Colorado
CB Grade: 33.3 (97 snaps) | WR Grade: 53.5 (68 snaps)
Hardge is a true utility player, but he’s yet to find his footing at either position. His grades on both sides of the ball were below average, but Tennessee may see him as a project with athletic upside.
Ryan Staub, Quarterback - Colorado
PFF Grade: 45.7 | Snaps: 113
Staub saw limited action but didn’t grade well. Still, he brings some experience to the quarterback room and could serve as a depth piece behind the Vols’ starter.
Donovan Haslam, Offensive Lineman - West Virginia
PFF Grade: 61.7 | Snaps: 444
Haslam is a solid rotational lineman with starting experience. His grade puts him in the middle of the pack among Tennessee’s current group, and his 444 snaps show he can handle extended action if called upon.
Javin Gordon, Running Back - Tulane
PFF Grade: 72.7 | Snaps: 418
Gordon is one of the more intriguing additions. His grade would’ve landed him fifth among Tennessee’s running backs, but his workload - second-most among the group - shows he can shoulder a significant role.
He’s a strong candidate for early playing time.
Trent Thomas, Tight End - South Alabama
Grade and snap data not provided
While there’s no PFF data listed here, Thomas adds another body to the tight end room - a position where Tennessee is always looking for versatility and physicality. He’ll get his shot to carve out a role.
Bottom Line:
Tennessee’s transfer class isn’t just about filling holes - it’s about upgrading across the board.
With proven starters, high-upside depth, and a few special teams standouts, this group has the potential to raise the floor and ceiling of the 2026 roster. If even half of these players hit, the Vols could be looking at one of the most impactful portal hauls in the SEC this offseason.