After being the seventh transfer this cycle to commit to Tennessee football, Penn State linebacker Amare Campbell is in Knoxville and getting a look at his new home. He posted on his X account on Saturday a photo of the Vols’ indoor practice facility.
Campbell is coming off his junior season and will have one year of eligibility remaining. He spent his first two seasons at North Carolina before entering the transfer portal to join Penn State this past season.
During the 2025 season, Campbell notched 103 tackles and three sacks. His tackles mark easily led the Nittany Lions.
While Campbell is considered a great player due to his physical traits, his biggest impact might be in the team’s adjustment to Jim Knowles’ system. His experience and prior success in the defense could go a long way for other linebackers and positions adjusting.
Crib Talkkk ! GBO 🍊 pic.twitter.com/e6ExYWM32A
— Amare🐐 (@amareGcampbell) January 17, 2026
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Campbell currently projects as a starter for Tennessee’s defense. He will likely start next to Edwin Spillman, who led the team in tackles as a redshirt-freshman last season. Spillman signed a new deal to return to the Vols last week.
Behind Campbell and Spillman are Jeremiah Telander, Edwin Spillman, Jadon Perlotte, Jaedon Harmon, Jordan Burns and Ben Bolton. The main departure is Arion Carter. He initially declared for the NFL draft, but withdrew on Friday night and entered the transfer portal. He has not ruled out a return to UT, though.
Other incoming linebackers to the room include true freshmen Brayden Rouse and TJ White. Both were highly-ranked four-star recruits who could make an impact in year one.
This will be Campbell’s final season of eligibility after two at North Carolina and one at Penn State. He will be joined by other Nittany Lion defenders transferring to the Vols in defensive tackle Xavier Gilliam, safety Dejuan Lane and edge rusher Chaz Coleman.
