Tennessee football transfer running back Peyton Lewis may be on the opposite sideline for a Vols game next season. After announcing his intention to transfer on Sunday, Pete Nakos has reported a list of schools to watch in his upcoming recruitment. This included SEC foe South Carolina, along with Virginia, Florida State and Syracuse.
If Lewis does pick the Gamecocks, he’d be squaring off with Tennessee next season. The Vols make the trip to play South Carolina on Oct. 24. The kickoff time and TV designation are yet to be determined. While the Vols will be coming off an emotional game at home with Alabama, regardless of the result, the Gamecocks have a bye week heading into the contest.
He also got to see Syracuse up close and in person this year. Tennessee squared off against Fran Brown and the Orange to open the 2025 season. In that game, Lewis notched eight carries for 38 yards and a touchdown.
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Lewis recorded 70 carries this past season, but did have to miss some time due to injury. He totaled 290 yards and seven touchdowns as an effective option at the goalline.
As a true freshman, he got 64 carries for 339 yards and three touchdowns. He got more action than usual in the College Football Playoff loss to Ohio State, as well, with star back Dylan Sampson unable to play much in the game.
Lewis was a four-star recruit out of high school, coming from Salem, Virginia. He was considered the No. 171 recruit in the country and No. 13 running back in the cycle, via 247.
His departure now leaves a thin group for Tennessee at running back and may result in the Vols dipping into the transfer portal to add a body to the room. With Lewis gone and Star Thomas out of eligibility, it leaves DeSean Bishop as the lone contributing returner.
The Vols also did not land a high school signing from a running back in the 2026 class. Tennessee was heavily involved with five-star Savion Hiter, but he ultimately chose Michigan. Even with the firing of Sherrone Moore, it seems like he’s likely going to stay with the Wolverines.
