Tennessee football’s work in the transfer portal continued over the weekend with the Vols lands three commitments on Sunday afternoon. The Vols latest additions include versatile Miami defensive back Jadais Richard, UT Martin tight end Drake Martinez and Idaho State receiver Ian Duarte.
Richard is by far the most notable transfer and has the best chance to make an impact for Tennessee during the 2026 season. The Miami transfer is truly a versatile defensive back who has played cornerback, STAR and safety during his first four collegiate seasons. That fits what the Vols need as they retool their defensive backfield and look for more depth entering the 2026 season.
Duarte spent three years at Idaho State and caught 46 passes for 521 yards and three touchdowns a season ago and caught 47 passes for 504 yards and three touchdowns as a sophomore in 2024.
Tennessee wrapped up the weekend by landing Martinez from UT Martin. The tight end is a rising junior who totaled 18 receptions for 124 yards and a touchdown last season. He totaled 364 snaps and was a solid run blocker. The Vols lost Miles Kitselman to graduation and Jack Van Dorselaer to the transfer portal this offseason and have now added two depth pieces.
Josh Heupel and his staff have now landed 21 commits in the transfer portal including 12 defenders, seven offensive players and two specialists. Five of the defenders, both specialist and one offensive addition could very well start for Tennessee next season.
Here’s a look at where Tennessee’s transfer class ranks both nationally and in the SEC.
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247sports
- National rank: No. 22
- SEC rank: No. 10
- National rank by average player rating: No. 22
- SEC rank by average player rating: No. 10
Rivals/On3
- National rank: No. 24
- SEC rank: No. 10
- National rank by average player rating: No. 11
- SEC rank by average player rating: No. 4
