It looks like Tennessee might not be done with Illinois kicker David Olano quite yet.
After hitting the walk-off field goal to beat Tennessee in the Music City Bowl last week, Olano entered the transfer portal in search of a different opportunity. He’s reportedly emerged out of the portal on an SEC team and on the Vols’ 2026 schedule.
According to a report from GigEm247 on Monday, Olano is taking his talents to Texas A&M. The Aggies will host the Volunteers next season on Nov. 14 in College Station, TX. With Texas A&M losing all three of its kickers to the portal and expired eligibility, the Aggies needed a strong kicker to upgrade at the position. That’s where Olano comes in.
During the Fighting Illini’s 2025 season, Olano hit 20 of 23 field goals and went perfect in his 44 PAT attempts. Olano went 3-for-3 with field goals in the Music City Bowl against Tennessee, including one from 30 yards out, one from 28 yards out, and the game-winner from 29 yards out. Two of the three came during clutch time of the fourth quarter.
Illinois walks it off in the Music City Bowl, 30–28 over Tennessee 🤯🔥 @IlliniFootball pic.twitter.com/02RAdsutju
— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) December 31, 2025
More From RTI: Who Is Left On Tennessee’s Football Roster Three Days Into The Transfer Portal
Tennessee, meanwhile, is currently searching for a transfer kicker of its own. Max Gilbert, the Vols starter for the past two seasons, entered the portal over the weekend and quickly emerged with the Arkansas Razorbacks, which is another team that Tennessee will see during the 2026 season. That game will take place in Fayetteville in October.
Other UT kickers currently on the roster include freshman Grady Dangerfield and kick-off specialist, punter and kicker Josh Turbyville. Gilbert has been the placekicker for the past two seasons, but Josh Heupel went to the transfer portal to get proven kickers in Chase McGrath from USC and Charles Campbell from Indiana in the past.
Stay tuned to Rocky Top Insider for more Tennessee Football transfer portal news.
