Tennessee kicker Max Gilbert is entering the transfer portal after three years in Knoxville and two years as the Vols’ starting kicker.
Gilbert was solid during the 2024 season, making 20-of-26 field goal attempts as he overcame a midseason slump to finish the year strong. But things went poorly for Gilbert and Tennessee’s kicking game in 2025.
The Memphis native’s overall numbers were still alright, making 14-of-19 field goals. But Gilbert missed a number of key field goal attempts. Most notably was the potential game-winning field goal in Tennessee’s narrow loss against Georgia in September.
Gilbert missed a 37-yard field goal in Tennessee’s 33-27 loss against Oklahoma. The miss was all the worse in comparison as Oklahoma kicker Tate Sandell made all four of his field goal attempts including three from over 50 yards. Gilbert also missed a 39-yard field goal in the Vols’ 30-28 loss against Illinois in the Music City Bowl.
Thank you Vol Nation! 🧡 Will forever cherish and love the people and the place! pic.twitter.com/1FkKSfmDoO
— Max Gilbert (@maxgilbs7) January 2, 2026
More From RTI: Tennessee Football Seemingly Not In The Running For Top-Ranked Transfer Portal Quarterback
Gilbert finished his redshirt sophomore season making eight-of-10 attempts less than 40 yards, four-of-six attempts between 40 and 50 yards and two-of-three attempts over 50 yards.
After a poor season, Gilbert and Tennessee going separate ways makes a lot of sense for both sides. Josh Turbyville was the Vols’ kickoff specialist and backup kicker in 2025. However, Tennessee will likely look to the transfer portal to find his replacement.
Gilbert was a rare high school kicking addition to Tennessee’s roster. The Vols landed Chase McGrath from USC and Charles Campbell from Indiana earlier in Josh Heupel’s tenure.
Gilbert is the 20th Tennessee player to either enter or announce intentions to enter the transfer portal this offseason. He joins Boo Carter, Lance Heard, Rickey Gibson, Peyton Lewis and Caleb Herring as contributors to enter the portal.
Other Vols that entered the portal included Jamal Wallace, Kellen Lindstrom, Brenden Anes, Marcus Goree Jr, Jake Merklinger, Amari Jefferson, Braylon Harmon, Bennett Warren, Trevor Duncan, Herb Gray, Max Anderson, Tommy Winton III, Colin Brazzell and Emmanuel Okoye.
