Tennessee freshman linebacker Brenden Anes is entering the transfer portal after spending just one year in Knoxville, On3’s Hayes Fawcett first reported on Wednesday afternoon.
Anes played in five games for Tennessee this season, totaling five tackles in 34 total snaps. The reserve linebacker played a season-high 12 snaps against UAB while also playing in the Vols’ wins over Syracuse, ETSU, Mississippi State and New Mexico State.
A Nolensville, Tennessee native, Anes was a member of the Vols’ 2025 recruiting class. He was originally committed to Wisconsin before flipping to the home state Vols in the fall of 2024.
Anes ranked as a three-star commit and the No. 573 player in the 2025 recruiting cycle according to the 247sports composite rankings. The 6-foot-2, 220-pound prospect also ranks as the No. 59 linebacker in the country and the No. 19 player in the state of Tennessee.
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The former Page High School standout was a part of a talented inside linebacker class for Josh Heupel and the Vols. Tennessee signed four-star Jadon Perlotte and four-star Jaedon Harmon. Both played more snaps than Anes this season and Perlotte particularly impressed.
Inside linebackers coach William Inge followed up the strong linebacker class last cycle with a number strong class in the 2026 cycle. Tennessee signed four-star TJ White and four-star Brayden Rouse— two of the seven highest rated linebackers in the 2026 recruiting cycle.
Because of the returning veteran talent and incoming young talent, Anes opted to enter the transfer portal and pursue playing time elsewhere.
As of right now, Tennessee will return Arion Carter, Jeremiah Telander, Edwin Spillman, Ben Bolton, Perlotte and Harmon next season.
The transfer portal does not officially open until Jan. 2 but players have already announced intentions to enter. Boo Carter, defensive tackle Jamal Wallace, defensive end Kellen Lindstrom and now Anes are the four Tennessee players who have announced plans to enter the portal.
