The brother of a Tennessee football signee intends to enter the transfer portal when it opens next month. North Carolina State linebacker Elijah Groves is entering the portal after spending two seasons on the NC State football team.
Elijah Groves is the older brother of four-star Tennessee football signee Zach Groves. The youngest Groves’ brother quote tweeted the post about Elijah entering the portal with the side eyes emoji.
— Zach Groves (@Groves_Zach0) December 22, 2025
The older Groves brother didn’t play a single snap in his two years at NC State. Before that, he was a four-star recruit in the 2024 recruiting cycle. Groves ranked as the No. 263 overall player and No. 6 player in the state of Tennessee according to the 247sports composite rankings. 247sports own rankings were even higher on Groves, tabbing him as the No. 93 player nationally and top player in the Volunteer State.
Linebacker is not a major position of need for Tennessee in the transfer portal. Despite losing Arion Carter to the NFL Draft, the Vols return Edwin Spillman, Jeremiah Telander, Jadon Perlotte and Jaedon Harmon. The Vols also signed one of the nation’s top prep linebacker classes including TJ White and Brayden Rouse.
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While Tennessee doesn’t need inside linebackers, they could always add another player for depth. With new scholarship rules, there’s room for any capable player who doesn’t command serious revenue share or NIL support.
Zach Groves signed with Tennessee football this month after committing to Josh Heupel and his staff back in May. The edge rusher ranked as a four-star recruit, the No. 279 player in the country and No. 10 player in the state of Tennessee in the 2026 recruiting cycle according to the 247sports composite rankings.
Zach followed in Elijah’s footsteps earlier this month, earning Tennessee AA Mr. Football honors for his play during his senior season at East Robertson High School. He totaled 77 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and one interception this season. Groves also played running back on the offensive side of the ball, totaling 675 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns. The 6-foot-4 athlete also caught nine passes for 119 yards and a touchdown.
The Groves family has strong athletic chops. Middle brother Isaiah currently plays at Austin Peay while cousin Taylor Groves began his college career as a football player at Ole Miss and now plays basketball at Vol State Community College.
