Tennessee transfer safety TJ Metcalf isn’t afraid to drop his shoulder, wrap up, or lay down the hit stick from the safety position. When looking at his stats on paper, his 129 career tackles and four career interceptions certainly stand out. But what those statistics don’t show is just how badly Metcalf put a bruising on some of those opposing offensive players.
In a clip that has been circulating around on social media since his commitment, Metcalf absolutely destroys a Northwestern player, bringing out a great Dick the Bruiser reference from the broadcast team for any old-school territory wrestling fans out there.
Tennessee’s newest transfer TJ Metcalf👀 pic.twitter.com/GodRw7Udev
— More Important Issues (@More_Issues) January 13, 2026
Here’s a look at some highlight plays in his three seasons of college football, with his first two years at Arkansas and the previous year at Michigan:
TJ Metcalf is a Tennessee Volunteer pic.twitter.com/WBkJDwhb27
— CHANNEL TN (@CHANNEL_TN_) January 13, 2026
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In three seasons of college football, Metcalf has racked up 129 total tackles, 11 pass deflections, one forced fumble, and four interceptions. Fifty-eight of those tackles and one of those interceptions came during the 2025 season with the Wolverines, where he ended the year with a 67.2 grade on Pro Football Focus.
Metcalf’s spot in the Tennessee secondary will be interesting to see play out. He spent time as both a true safety and at the STAR position for the Wolverines, giving Tennessee some flexibility in how and where the coaching staff wants to use him alongside returning starter Edrees Farooq and incoming transfer safeties Dejuan Lane and Qua Moss. Either way, though, Metcalf should provide Tennessee with some good versatility and power once the team gets on the field for spring camp.
Metcalf is Tennessee’s 12th addition from the portal this cycle, joining Kansas State safety Qua Moss, Auburn cornerback Kayin Lee, Penn State safety Dejuan Lane, Penn State defensive tackle Xavier Gilliam, Penn State linebacker Amare Campbell, and Penn State edge rusher Chaz Coleman on the defensive side of the ball.
With new blood on the field and new minds in the coaching room, Tennessee’s defense is in store for a complete makeover heading into the 2026 season.
