After already landing the commitment of South Alabama’s Trent Thomas this transfer portal cycle, Tennessee football has picked up another commitment to add to the room. On Sunday, UT Martin transfer Drake Martinez announced his commitment to the Vols on his Instagram after visiting this week.
In one season with UT Martin, Martinez produced 18 receptions for 124 yards and a touchdown. He earned a PFF grade of 53.6 on the 2025 campaign.
In 2024, Martinez played at Houston Christian. He posted 16 receptions for 142 yards and two touchdowns that season. In 2023, he was at McNeese State, but only played special teams in the first game of the season. His first two years of collegiate football were both at Colorado State, but he didn’t play from 2021-22.
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Martinez stands at 6-foot-3, 240 pounds. He is from Houston, Texas, where he was a three-star prospect out of St. Thomas High School. His father, Mark Maritnez, played both football and baseball at Tulane.
Tennessee has now landed 21 commitments through the transfer portal so far, while losing 28 players to the portal itself. While the majority of departures have been depth pieces, there have been a few key players to leave. This includes freshman tight end Jack Van Dorselaer, who would’ve played next season.
On the other side, the Vols have landed numerous transfers who will have the chance to start next season. Primarily, this has been on the defensive side of the ball for Jim Knowles’ first year as defensive coordinator. There have been some key additions on offense, as well, though.
At tight end, Thomas from South Alabama joins as a big body who adds depth to the room and can be inserted as a run and pass blocker. Other names in the room include Ethan Davis, Dasaahn Brame, Cole Harrison and Luca Wolf.
