This offseason, Josh Heupel and Tennessee football are tasked with rebuilding its defensive line. One of the top targets, Wake Forest transfer Mateen Ibirogba, isn’t headed to Knoxville, though. Instead, he’ll be joining Texas Tech, according to On3.
The Vols were one of three schools that were reportedly in the mix for the talented defensive tackle. They joined the Red Raiders and Notre Dame. Ultimately, he chose to head to Texas Tech to continue his career.
Ibirogba is considered the No. 2 defensive tackle in the transfer portal this cycle at the moment, according to 247. He was also considered the No. 8 overall prospect.
After beginning his career at Georgetown, Ibirogba transferred up a level to Wake Forest. He earned a redshirt in his first year with the Demon Deacons, but was a breakout star in 2025 as a redshirt junior. Now, he’ll have one year of eligibility remaining.
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This past season, Ibirogba totalled 21 tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble. He registered 395 snaps on the year, mostly as a defensive tackle, and earned a PFF grade of 77.3 overall.
After Tennessee got decimated at defensive tackle following the 2024 season due to eligibility and draft declarations, the unit was much thinner in 2025. Now, the group is losing even more talent, such as Bryson Eason and Jaxson Moi, due to eligibility. Bolstering the group is going to be a priority this portal period, but it won’t include Ibirogba.
Instead, the Vols are going to look to other options to join notable returners Daevin Hobbs, Nathan Robinson, Isaiah Campbell and Ethan Utley. Tennessee also brings in a deep freshman class of defensive linemen.
