Tennessee football has already landed 18 players out of the transfer portal, including a tight end. Even with the addition of South Alabama’s Trent Thomas, there appears to be an effort to get more talent into the tight end room through the portal.
According to a report from 247, UT Martin tight end transfer Drake Martinez will arrive for a visit to see the Vols on Wednesday and stay through Thursday.
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 landed 18 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.
