The transfer portal is officially open. Not only does this mean that a good number of Tennessee football players have hit the portal, but the Vols are reaching out to players that they are hoping to add for next season.
This gives us a good look at what the roster looks like at the moment and what positions Josh Heupel will need to target. While more names may continue to enter and change the complexion of the roster, here’s a look at which positions should be the top priorities.
More From RTI: Tennessee Football Assistant Coach Headed to be OL Coach, Run Game Coordinator Elsewhere
1. Quarterback
It’s the most important position on the field, and Tennessee does not have a clear option for 2026. While the Vols could always end up giving the ball to either of its talented but inexperienced quarterbacks, Faizon Brandon and George MacIntyre, getting a proven one-year bridge quarterback would make the most sense.
2. Safety
Tennessee has to get better at safety this season. Edrees Farooq is an option that could return and play at the level the Vols need him to, but there needs to be depth and another starting-caliber player next to him. UT is already addressing this by reaching out to some of the top available safeties.
3. Defensive Tackle
After the 2024 season, Tennessee’s depth on the interior of the defensive line took a major hit, and the Vols didn’t do a great job replacing it. Now, Bryson Eason and Jaxson Moi are both out of eligibility. Tennessee is going to have to find a way to get some contributors around Daevin Hobbs and Nathan Robinson.
4. Edge Rusher
Tennessee needs to add edge rushers on both ends. At defensive end, the Vols are losing both Dominic Bailey and Tyre West to eligibility. The Vols will return Tyree Weathersby and Mariyon Dye, but could stand to add a top-end guy.
At LEO, the hybrid outside linebacker spot, Tennessee is losing starter Joshua Josephs to eligibility and backup Caleb Herring to the portal. Jordan Ross is a great option, but he’s standing alone in the room right now.
5. Cornerback
With Jermod McCoy and Colton Hood off to the NFL and Rickey Gibson III to the portal, Tennessee needs to figure out who will play opposite of Ty Redmond. Tre Poteat is a young option, but may be better suited in a backup role in his second year. Landing a corner who could start right away would go a long way.
6. Kicker
Tennessee’s kicking game left a lot to be desired this year. Max Gilbert missed too many high-leverage kicks, and the Vols are likely going to have to move on from him. They have a young place kicker in Grady Dangerfield on the roster, but going to a veteran option who has experience elsewhere would make the most sense.
7. Running Back
With DeSean Bishop returning, Tennessee doesn’t need a superstar at running back through the portal, though it wouldn’t hurt. Instead, the Vols need someone to join the projected three-man rotation of Bishop and Daune Morris with Star Thomas out of eligibility and Peyton Lewis transferring.
8. Linebacker
Even with Arion Carter leaving for the NFL draft, William Inge’s linebacker room is still in good standing. Edwin Spillman broke out as a star, Jadon Perlotte looked really good by the end of his freshman year and Jeremiah Telander is capable of playing a backup role as a veteran piece of the defense. There are some more younger options, too, like Jaedon Harmon, Jordan Burns and a pair of four-star freshmen that could push for playtime. UT may want to add another body to the room, though, preferably with experience.
9. Interior Offensive Lineman
With Lance Heard gone, Tennessee has one starter on the offensive line to replace. While the spot is at tackle, Jesse Perry has proven he can be an effective right tackle already. This may mean that the opening could come at guard instead. If the Vols want to add someone to compete with Sham Umarov for the role, they could try to snag a player in the portal.
10. Offensive Tackle
If Tennessee would rather keep Jesse Perry at guard and find a tackle to replace Lance Heard, it could get pricey. David Sanders Jr. will almost certainly flip back to his natural left tackle side, making the pitch of playing right tackle also a hurdle for prospects. UT will need to find some sort of depth there, though, whether it’s a freshman like Gabe Osenda, returner or transfer.
11. Wide Receiver
Tennessee is fine at wide receiver. The Vols return breakout second-year stars Braylon Staley and Mike Matthews, but will lose Chris Brazzell to the draft. Brazzell’s opening should be managed by one of a trio of options. Rising sophomores Radarious Jackson and Travis Smith Jr., and incoming five-star freshman Tristen Keys will all be in the mix. If the Vols want to add some depth, then sure, but there’s no reason to commit too many resources there this year.
12. Tight End
It’s a similar story at tight end. Tennessee will lose Miles Kitselman, but Ethan Davis looked fantastic in the final two regular-season games with him out. He’s come a long way as a blocker and remains an elite pass catcher. The Vols also boast freshmen Jack Van Dorselaer and DaSaahn Brame, who give plenty of opportunities to go into 12 personnel.
13. Punter/Longsnapper
There is no reason at all for Tennessee to grab a transfer at either punter or longsnapper. Jackson Ross has been great, and Josh Turbyville is right behind him if he gets hurt. UT also just signed a freshman punter for the succession plan when Ross leaves.
At longsnapper, the Vols return Bennett Brady and have two young guys behind him ready to take over when he leaves.
