Tennessee football has had 25 players depart for the transfer portal this offseason, with the majority being depth pieces. One of these reserve players, defensive lineman Herb Gray, has found his new school.
Gray committed to UNLV, coached by Dan Mullen, on Monday, according to a report from Cody Nagel. Gray just concluded his redshirt-freshman season and will have three years of eligibility remaining.
In 2025, Gray played defensive snaps in just two games. He totalled eight snaps between his appearances against ETSU and New Mexico State, all at defensive end. PFF gave him a grade of 63.8 for the season.
In 2024, Gray didn’t play and earned a redshirt. He joined the team as a walk-on after being ranked as a three-star recruit by On3 and 247.
Tennessee DL transfer Herb Gray has committed to UNLV, his agency @APSportsAgency tells @chris_hummer, @mzenitz and me.
The 6-foot-3, 288-pounder played in two games this season.https://t.co/qmmOsCkP7j pic.twitter.com/SlXEgwDxoN
— Cody Nagel (@CodyNagel247) January 12, 2026
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Gray didn’t factor into the plans for Tennessee next season at defensive end, but the Vols are decently thin at the position. The Vols are also losing Dominic Bailey and Tyre West to graduation, both of whom played the majority of snaps at the position.
Returners feature Tyree Weathersby and Mariyon Dye, who were third and fourth in line on the rotation this year. Carson Gentle will also return. Incoming freshmen include Carter Gooden, Jordan Carter and Kedric Golston II.
Tennessee has hosted defensive ends through the portal, but has yet to land one. The Vols have addressed the defensive line with additions of Penn State defensive tackle Xavier Gilliam and LEO Chaz Coleman. Those are both also at positions of need after losing the likes of Joshua Josephs, Jordan Ross and Caleb Herring at LEO and Bryson Eason and Jaxson Moi on the interior.
