North Carolina linebacker transfer Khmori House committed to Arkansas football over Tennessee Wednesday afternoon following visits to both schools in the last few days, CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz first reported.
It’s the latest in a run of bad news for Tennessee football in the transfer portal. The Vols have whiffed on a number of their top defensive targets in the last two days including Wake Forest defensive tackle Mateen Ibirogba, Miami (Ohio) defensive end Adam Trick and Troy cornerback Jaquez White.
House totaled 78 tackles, one sack, one forced fumble and one interception in his sophomore season with the Tar Heels. The inside linebacker spent just one season at North Carolina after playing his freshman season at Washington.
The 6-foot, 215-pound linebacker played an incredible 777 total snaps during the 2025 season, earning a 54.2 PFF grade.
Inside linebacker is not the biggest need for Tennessee football in the transfer portal but is a spot that the Vols would like to add a capable body. Starting linebacker Arion Carter declared for the NFL Draft last month and leaves 477 total snaps for Tennessee to replace.
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.
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.
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But Spillman could be in for a huge year. As a redshirt freshman, Spillman totaled 81 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 19 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.
Tennessee signed the best inside linebacker recruiting class in the country. White ranks as the No. 4 linebacker and Rouse as the No. 7 linebacker in the 2026 recruiting cycle according to 247sports. Either could push for playing time next season
The Vols have added just two players through the transfer portal to date— Kansas State defensive back Qua Moss and LSU offensive tackle Ory Williams.
