Tennessee’s transfer portal haul just took a hit. Wide receiver and return specialist Gavin Freeman, who had committed to the Vols over the weekend following an official visit to Knoxville, has flipped his decision and signed with Baylor instead. It’s a late twist in the portal cycle, and it leaves Tennessee one playmaker short of what they likely hoped would be a key addition to their 2026 roster.
Freeman brings a unique blend of experience and versatility to the table. After beginning his college career at Oklahoma, where he played two seasons (2022-23), he transferred to Oklahoma State and spent the past two years (2024-25) with the Cowboys. Now, he’s staying in the Big 12 - just not in Stillwater or Norman.
At 5-foot-8 and 185 pounds, Freeman isn’t the biggest receiver on the field, but he’s been productive. In 2025, he led Oklahoma State in receiving, hauling in 53 passes for 481 yards and four touchdowns. That’s solid output in a system that didn’t always air it out, and it speaks to his reliability as a target and his ability to work underneath and in space.
His breakout with the Cowboys came after redshirting his first year in Stillwater. Before that, Freeman made his mark at Oklahoma in 2023, catching 22 passes for 141 yards and a touchdown, while also finding the end zone on a rushing attempt. But where he really flashed was in the return game - he was named All-Big 12 honorable mention after racking up 122 yards and a touchdown on 18 punt returns.
Freeman's skill set - quickness, agility, and special teams impact - made him an intriguing fit for Tennessee, especially in a system that values versatility and speed in the slot. He’s not a burner in the traditional sense, but he’s shifty in space and can be a headache for defenders in the open field. His ability to contribute both as a receiver and a returner added to his value in the portal.
Ranked as the No. 143 wide receiver in the transfer portal, Freeman may not have been the flashiest name available, but his production and experience made him a quality get for any program looking for immediate help. Baylor clearly saw that, and now the Bears get a proven contributor who’s already logged meaningful reps in the Big 12.
For Tennessee, it’s a miss - not a catastrophic one, but certainly a setback. The Vols will need to look elsewhere to fill that hybrid receiver-return role, and with the portal still buzzing, there’s time. But Freeman’s flip is a reminder that in the world of college football’s transfer portal, nothing’s final until the ink is dry.