The transfer portal has been a bit of a rollercoaster for Tennessee this offseason - some big wins, a few swings and misses, but overall, the Vols are coming out ahead. With 13 portal additions and counting, it’s clear Josh Heupel and his staff are leaning all the way into reshaping the roster, and Saturday’s additions only reinforced that mindset.
Let’s start with the latest headline grabbers: Tennessee has landed two more transfers - cornerback Tevis Metcalf from Michigan and offensive guard Donovan Haslam from West Virginia. Both bring something different to the table, but together, they represent another step forward in Tennessee’s aggressive portal strategy.
Tevis Metcalf: A Familiar Name, a Depth Piece with Upside
The Vols had already added safety TJ Metcalf from Michigan last week, and now his brother, Tevis, is joining him in Knoxville. While TJ is expected to be a significant contributor - potentially a starter in the secondary - Tevis arrives with a bit more mystery.
He’s only logged five career tackles to this point, so expectations are tempered. But this is the kind of move that makes sense for a program trying to build out its depth chart and develop talent over time.
For defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, Metcalf is a low-risk, high-upside addition. He may not be penciled into the starting lineup right away, but the tools are there, and having his brother on board could help him find his footing quickly.
Donovan Haslam: A Big-Time Addition in the Trenches
Where Metcalf is more of a developmental piece, Donovan Haslam is ready to go right now. At 6-foot-3 and 346 pounds, Haslam brings serious size and experience to Tennessee’s offensive line - an area that needed attention this offseason.
He played 444 snaps for West Virginia last season and held his own against Big 12 competition. According to Pro Football Focus, Haslam posted a 74.7 pass-blocking grade, didn’t allow a single sack, and gave up just four hurries across nearly 200 pass protection reps.
That’s the kind of production you can plug into your lineup with confidence. He’s not just a body - he’s a steady, proven presence who can help anchor the interior of the line.
For a Tennessee team that’s looking to protect a young quarterback and establish a more consistent ground game, Haslam’s arrival couldn’t be better timed.
A Transfer Class That’s Gaining Momentum
With these two latest additions, Tennessee’s transfer portal haul now sits at 13 players - good for the No. 21 overall class according to 247Sports. That ranking reflects both the volume and the quality of the players Heupel is bringing in.
Yes, there have been some misses along the way - that’s part of the game in today’s portal-driven world. But when you step back and look at the full picture, Tennessee is clearly making moves to stay competitive in the ever-evolving SEC landscape.
The Vols aren’t just filling holes; they’re building a roster that can compete now while also developing for the future. And with the portal still open, don’t be surprised if more pieces are on the way. For now, though, Tennessee fans have plenty to feel good about - especially with a 346-pound guard and a pair of Metcalfs now in the mix on Rocky Top.