Tennessee football has suffered its first surprise transfer of the cycle. Peyton Lewis, a sophomore who contributed at running back this past season, will reportedly enter the transfer portal once it opens in January, according to Hayes Fawcett.
Lewis was a part of the three-headed monster the Vols boasted at the position this season. DeSean Bishop was the starter, but Lewis and Star Thomas both got plenty of snaps throughout the year.
This now leaves a thin group for Tennessee and may result in the Vols dipping into the transfer portal to add a body to the room. With Lewis gone and Thomas out of eligibility, it leaves Bishop as the lone contributing returner. Other options in the room include Daune Morris, who got involved late in the year, and Justin Baker. Both just finished their true freshman campaign.
The Vols also did not land a high school signing from a running back in the 2026 class. Tennessee was heavily involved with five-star Savion Hiter, but he ultimately chose Michigan. Even with the firing of Sherrone Moore, it seems like he’s likely going to stay with the Wolverines.
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Lewis recorded 70 carries this past season, but did have to miss some time due to injury. He totalled 290 yards and seven touchdowns as a battery ram option in the red zone to pile it into the end zone.
As a true freshman, he got 64 carries for 339 yards and three touchdowns. He got run in the College Football Playoff loss to Ohio State, as well, with star back Dylan Sampson unable to play much in the game.
Lewis was a four-star recruit out of high school, coming from Salem, Virginia. He was considered the No. 171 recruit in the country and No. 13 running back in the cycle, via 247.
