So far, Tennessee football’s transfer portal efforts have largely come at positions of need. The Vols have added a defensive back and an offensive lineman, are reportedly hosting a top quarterback, are looking for a running back and are trying to find defensive linemen.
However, despite UT not necessarily needing to add a wide receiver this cycle, Josh Heupel and company seemingly have found one they’re interested in adding. According to a report from Matt Zenitz, LSU wide receiver transfer Jelani Watkins will visit the Vols, USC and TCU.
Watkins saw offensive action in four games this past season as a redshirt-freshman. In that time, he caught two passes, both against Southeastern Louisiana, for 21 yards. As a true freshman, he played in two games and didn’t record any stats.
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While Watkins is yet to make an impact on the football field, you can see why top programs are interested. He’s also a track star who earned SEC Freshman of the Week honors in his second meet.
Out of high school, Watkins was a four-star recruit. He was considered the No. 122 player in the 2024 class and the No. 23 wide receiver. He is from Humble, Texas, where he played for Atascocita.
If Watkins did commit to Tennessee, he likely wouldn’t be a significant piece for next season. Instead, the Vols would likely roll with returning starters Mike Matthews on the outside and Braylon Staley in the slot. The other outside role will likely go to either returning second-year players Radarious Jackson or Travis Smith Jr., or five-star incoming freshman Tristen Keys.
Adding a player with unteachable speed and tangibles might be worth the roll of the dice, though. There won’t be too much pressure on him to get on the field right away as he continues to adjust to the college game.
