Tennessee football is putting the final touches on its transfer class with classes and winter workouts beginning in Knoxville this week.
The Vols lost 28 players to the transfer portal and more to the NFL Draft and graduation. Tennessee replenished its roster with 18 players out of the transfer portal and 27 players from its prep recruiting class making it a new look roster for the Vols in 2026.
Projecting the three strongest position groups on Tennessee’s roster entering the 2026 season.
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Receiver
Tennessee’s receiver room was the breakout unit of the 2025 season. Chris Brazzell is off to the NFL but both Braylon Staley and Mike Matthews are back. Staley totaled 837 yards and six touchdowns last season while Matthews added 813 yards and four touchdowns.
Both Staley and Matthews could be in for even more as they enter their junior seasons. The question for both is how they will handle being a bigger emphasis from defenses. Brazzell was the main guy in the room last year which took some pressure off Staley and Matthews.
As far as replacing Brazzell, there’s multiple solid options with second-year receivers Radarious Jackson and Travis Smith as well as five-star freshman TK Keys.
Inside Linebacker
The depth is phenomenal in this room. Tennessee returns every contributor from a season ago after Arion Carter changed course and returned to Knoxville. The Vols also added Penn State transfer Amare Campbell, who played over 700 snaps and totaled 103 tackles last season, to the room.
That depth and experience is a huge plus and should allow Tennessee to shift rising senior Jeremiah Telander into a smaller role this season.
The big question is how much better can this group get. Carter, Campbell and Telander have a lot of experience and are solid players, but not stars. Can Edwin Spillman breakout into a star in his junior season? What about Jadon Perlotte entering his sophomore year?
This group’s floor is that of an average unit still. Tennessee needs them to push the envelope and become one of the best in the SEC.
Offensive Line
The offensive line has a similar feel to it. Tennessee returns four of five starters and five of the six players that earned serious playing time in 2025. After starting the year super strong, this group struggled down the stretch of the season.
David Sanders Jr is positioned to take a step forward as he moves from right to left tackle in his sophomore season. The Vols also have options on what to do from there. LSU transfer Ory Williams could start at right tackle, or Tennessee could slide Jesse Perry out to right tackle and start either Sham Umarov or West Virginia transfer Donovon Haslam at guard.
Tennessee has options, but needs this group to get better next season. There’s continuity and talent to take a jump. They just can’t spend the offseason resting on their laurels.
