The transfer portal doesn’t officially open until Jan. 2, but that hasn’t stopped players across the country from announcing their intention to enter. This includes Tennessee football, which has lost a handful to the portal already.
As the Vols prepare for the Music City Bowl, they’re getting a better view of who will be on the team and who won’t for the game vs. Illinois. Tennessee is also figuring out where it needs to add players in the transfer portal itself.
Most recently, UT got some clarity at quarterback. Backup Jake Merklinger announced his intention to depart from the program on Wednesday morning. Here’s the transfer tracker for the Vols as of Dec. 17, 2025, at 4:45 p.m. ET.
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In order of most recent to announce their intention to enter to first to enter.
QB – Jake Merklinger
Year: Rs-Freshman
2025 stats: 173 passing yards, 2 touchdowns, 0 interceptions
Transfer rankings:
- On3: TBD
- 247: TBD
LB – Brenden Anes
Year: Freshman
2025 stats: 5 tackles, 2 solo
Transfer rankings:
- On3: 3-star
- 247: 3-star
DB – Marcus Goree Jr.
Year: Rs-Freshman
2025 stats: 1 tackle, 1 solo
Transfer rankings:
- On3: 3-star
- 247: N/a
DL – Kellen Lindstrom
Year: Rs-Freshman
2025 stats: 2 tackles
Transfer rankings:
- On3: 3-star
- 247: 3-star
DL – Jamal Wallace
Year: Rs-Junior
2025 stats: 4 tackles, 2 solo
Transfer rankings:
- On3: 3-star
- 247: 3-star
DB – Boo Carter
Year: Sophomore
2025 stats: 25 tackles, 16 solo, 1 sack, 3 FF
Transfer rankings:
- On3: 4-star
- 247: 4-star
