Tennessee football is losing a third reserve player to the transfer portal since the conclusion of the Music City Bowl. On Thursday afternoon, On3 reported that backup wide receiver Tommy Winton III intends to transfer once the portal opens on Jan. 2, 2026.
Winton will have one season of eligibility remaining after beginning his career at ETSU and playing the previous two seasons with the Vols. At Tennessee, he rarely got on the field on offense, but was a consistent contributor on special teams. This included during the 2024 season, in which Tennessee won 10 games and made the College Football Playoffs.
Winton appeared in two games in 2025 on offense. He played a total of 15 snaps between the wins over ETSU and UAB. He caught three passes for 26 yards in that time.
In 2024, Winton played on offense against Kent State. In his four snaps, he did not catch a pass.
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At ETSU, Winton was a contributor on offense, though. He recorded 23 receptions for 349 yards, while posting 10 rushes for 23 yards during his redshirt freshman campaign in 2023. He also returned four kickoffs for 99 return yards against Samford alone.
As a true freshman, Winton played in just four games, including in a matchup with Mississippi State. He is from Knoxville, where he played for Knoxville Catholic High School as both a wide receiver and defensive back.
Winton is now the 11th player from Tennessee to enter the transfer portal this offseason. He joins defensive back Boo Carter, defensive lineman Jamal Wallace, edge rusher Kellen Lindstrom, linebacker Brenden Anes, defensive back Marcus Goree Jr., quarterback Jake Merklinger, running back Peyton Lewis, lineman Trevor Duncan, defensive lineman Herb Gray and offensive lineman Max Anderson in the portal.
The portal will officially open on Jan. 2, 2026. That’s when Tennessee’s outgoing players will be able to legally contact other teams as they look for their new homes. It’s also when the Vols can start to piece together their roster for next season.
One Response
Tommy is a great player but Josh never gave him a chance to prove himself. He kept the side line warm and that isn’t what he wants to do. He wants to be able to get out on the field and show the fans that he is a great player. Breaks my heart ♥ that he will be leaving his home town but I’m proud of him for wanting to go somewhere else so he can get a chance to play. God Bless my handsome Nephew and may God lead you to the right college. Love 😍 you.