The transfer portal doesn’t officially open until Jan. 2, but that hasn’t stopped players across the country from announcing their intention to enter. This includes Tennessee football, which has lost a handful to the portal already.
As the Vols prepare for the Music City Bowl, they’re getting a better view of who will be on the team and who won’t for the game vs. Illinois. Tennessee is also figuring out where it needs to add players in the transfer portal itself.
Most recently, UT got some unexpected news at running back. Contributing back, Peyton Lewis, announced that he is moving on from the program after two seasons on Sunday afternoon. Here’s the transfer tracker for the Vols as of Dec. 21, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. ET.
More From RTI: Assessing Tennessee Football’s Running Back Room After Losing Peyton Lewis to the Transfer Portal
In order of most recent to announce their intention to enter to first to enter.
RB – Peyton Lewis
Year: Sophomore
2025 stats: 70 carries, 290 yards, 7 TD
Transfer rankings:
- On3: TBD
- 247: TBD
QB – Jake Merklinger
Year: Rs-Freshman
2025 stats: 173 passing yards, 2 touchdowns, 0 interceptions
Transfer rankings:
- On3: 3-star
- 247: 3-star
LB – Brenden Anes
Year: Freshman
2025 stats: 5 tackles, 2 solo
Transfer rankings:
- On3: 3-star
- 247: N/a
DB – Marcus Goree Jr.
Year: Rs-Freshman
2025 stats: 1 tackle, 1 solo
Transfer rankings:
- On3: 3-star
- 247: 3-star
DL – Kellen Lindstrom
Year: Rs-Freshman
2025 stats: 2 tackles
Transfer rankings:
- On3: 3-star
- 247: 3-star
DL – Jamal Wallace
Year: Rs-Junior
2025 stats: 4 tackles, 2 solo
Transfer rankings:
- On3: 3-star
- 247: 3-star
DB – Boo Carter
Year: Sophomore
2025 stats: 25 tackles, 16 solo, 1 sack, 3 FF
Transfer rankings:
- On3: 4-star
- 247: 4-star
