Tennessee defensive lineman Herb Gray is set to enter the transfer portal, according to reports that surfaced shortly after the Vols wrapped up their season in the Music City Bowl. Gray, a reserve defensive end, didn’t see the field in that final game-and it’s unclear whether he even traveled with the team to Nashville.
Gray’s departure won’t shake up the depth chart in Knoxville, but it does mark another piece in a larger puzzle for Tennessee’s defensive front. A former walk-on from Maryland, Gray saw limited action during his two years in the program.
He redshirted in 2024, then logged just eight total snaps across two games in 2025, recording a single tackle. His appearances came in Tennessee’s wins over ETSU and New Mexico State-three snaps in the former, five in the latter.
While Gray’s exit won’t make headlines, it highlights a more pressing issue for the Vols: depth-and production-at strongside defensive end. With veterans Dominic Bailey and Tyre West both out of eligibility, Tennessee is thin at a position that demands physicality and consistency.
Tyree Weathersby, a rising junior, is the most experienced returner at the spot. He played 229 snaps this past season, notching 23 tackles and a sack.
He’s shown flashes, but the Vols will need more than just flashes in 2026. Then there’s Mariyon Dye, a freshman who got his feet wet with 88 snaps, eight tackles, and a sack.
He’s a promising piece, but still developing.
That leaves Tennessee with just two players who’ve logged any real game reps at strongside end heading into the offseason. And that’s where the transfer portal becomes critical-not just for depth, but for finding someone who can contribute right away.
This isn’t just about plugging holes. It’s about retooling a defense that needs to take a step forward.
Tennessee’s 2025 season ended at 8-5 overall and 4-4 in SEC play, and the Vols didn’t notch a single win over an FBS opponent with a winning record. They went 0-4 against ranked teams and closed the year with a loss to Illinois in the Music City Bowl.
So yes, losing a reserve lineman like Gray won’t move the needle on its own. But it underscores just how pivotal this offseason is for Tennessee.
The Vols need impact players-especially up front-if they’re going to bounce back and compete in a loaded SEC. The portal is open, and the clock is ticking.