Baylor linebacker Keaton Thomas was planing on visiting Tennessee football as the Vols look to revamp their defense ahead of the 2026 season. But that visit will not be happening as Thomas committed to Ole Miss football Saturday night during his visit in Oxford.
BREAKING: Baylor standout transfer LB Keaton Thomas has Committed to Ole Miss, he tells @On3Sports
Through 2 seasons he’s totaled 219 Tackles, 3.5 Sacks, 14 TFLs, and 2 INThttps://t.co/RlUbB6Fk7q pic.twitter.com/N67PX7N6l3
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) January 4, 2026
Thomas is coming off a standout redshirt sophomore year at Baylor where he totaled 99 tackles, one sacks , three pass breakups and one interception. He ranked fifth in the Big 12 in tackles during the 2025 season. Thomas was even more productive in 2024 when he totaled 106 tackles, 2.5 sacks and one interception.
The Baylor transfer is one of two linebackers Tennessee had been linked to in the transfer portal. Tennessee is also targeting North Carolina linebacker Khmori House. The Vols could also look to target Amare Campbell who played for new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles last season at Penn State.
Inside linebacker is a need but not a top priority for Tennessee football in the transfer portal this offseason. The Vols lose starting linebacker Arion Carter to the NFL Draft but return everyone else on the unit that played meaningful snaps a season ago.
Tennessee’s top returning linebackers include Jeremiah Telander and Edwin Spillman. Telander started beside Carter last season while Spillman actually recorded three more snaps than him. Telander is a capable veteran but has not shown a high-level ability entering his senior season.
More From RTI: Tennessee Football Lands First Transfer Commitment of the Cycle at a Position of Need
That to say, Telander being the third or fourth linebacker in the rotation is a good recipe. Him leading the way in snaps is less ideal.
But Spillman could be in for a huge year. As a redshirt freshman, Spillman totaled 74 tackles, 2.5 sacks and an interception. Spillman graded out as the third best player on Tennessee’s defense and the seventh best linebacker in the SEC last season according to PFF.
Freshman Jadon Perlotte flashed during the back half of the 2025 season and could step into a starting spot beside Spillman next season. He finished the season with just 13 tackles but flashed at times down the stretch.
Jaedon Harmon was a blue-chip recruit and played an albeit small role during the 2024 season. Carter’s departure opens up a path for him to be a real contributor next season. That’s also true of incoming freshmen TJ White and Brayden Rouse.
Then there’s veterans Ben Bolton and Jordan Burns. A former walk-on, Bolton played 151 snaps last season and provided competence in the middle of the defense. Burns had a much smaller role, playing just 37 snaps, but does have a bit more experience.
Tennessee football landed its first transfer portal commit of the cycle on Sunday when Kansas State defensive back Qua Moss committed to the Vols following his official visit.
