Does Tennessee Football Get an Offseason Passing Grade? Portal for Transfer vs. Retention
Does Tennessee Football Get an Offseason Passing Grade? Portal for Transfer vs. Retention
The offseason is a critical period for any college football program. For teams like the Tennessee Volunteers, the offseason offers an opportunity to address weaknesses, strengthen the roster, and build momentum for the upcoming season. But with the advent of the transfer portal and the increased focus on player retention, Tennessee’s approach to roster management during the offseason has become a subject of intense scrutiny and discussion among fans, analysts, and experts alike.
With a team that has shown both promise and inconsistency under head coach Josh Heupel, the 2025 offseason is seen as a pivotal one for the Volunteers. The program has the potential to challenge for the top spots in the SEC but faces a series of critical decisions regarding how to balance transfers, player retention, and overall team development. So, as we evaluate whether Tennessee football gets an offseason passing grade, we must consider two major factors: the transfer portal and retention.
The Transfer Portal: A Double-Edged Sword
The transfer portal has become a central feature of college football’s recruiting landscape, revolutionizing the way teams can build their rosters. While traditional recruiting still plays an important role, the ability to sign players from other schools has become an increasingly critical tool for coaches and programs.
For Tennessee, the transfer portal offers both potential benefits and risks. As a program looking to build a competitive roster, Tennessee has used the portal as a means to fill gaps and find immediate contributors. However, the transfer portal is not a one-size-fits-all solution. While a team can potentially bring in star players to address weaknesses, the challenge lies in balancing transfers with maintaining team chemistry and long-term development.
Gains from the Transfer Portal
One of the key advantages of using the transfer portal is the ability to bring in players who can contribute immediately. For Tennessee, the portal has been particularly beneficial in strengthening areas of need. In the 2024 offseason, the Vols successfully landed a number of key transfers, many of whom were expected to provide immediate impact. These players addressed specific needs on the roster, such as adding depth at wide receiver and providing stability in the secondary.
One notable example was the addition of Dante Thornton Jr., a wide receiver from Oregon, who provided an immediate boost to Tennessee’s receiving corps. Thornton’s size and playmaking ability were seen as vital in complementing Tennessee’s high-paced offense. With key departures from the receiving room, the addition of Thornton was seen as a smart move for the Vols. Similarly, Tennessee also secured a key transfer in the defensive backfield, which helped bolster an area that had struggled with consistency in recent years.
The transfer portal can also serve as a way to fill holes that traditional recruiting may not fully address. Tennessee, like many other programs, is using the portal to bring in veteran players who are ready to contribute immediately, rather than waiting for a young recruit to develop. These experienced transfers have the ability to make an instant impact on the field, helping the team improve faster than relying on freshmen or developing players from within the system.
Challenges and Risks of the Transfer Portal
While there are clear advantages to using the transfer portal, it’s important to consider the potential drawbacks. One major risk is the possibility of disrupting team chemistry. Bringing in new players can lead to a culture clash, especially if the new additions are not able to assimilate quickly into the existing team environment. The success of a transfer is often dependent not only on their individual skills but also on how they fit into the existing locker room dynamic. Tennessee’s reliance on the portal, if not managed carefully, could risk undermining the long-term culture Heupel has worked to build.
Additionally, relying too heavily on the portal can disrupt the development of the program’s own recruits. The best college programs succeed by developing players from within, allowing them to mature and grow into key contributors. The Vols need to be careful not to rely exclusively on transfers at the expense of nurturing homegrown talent. For Tennessee, the portal should be seen as a tool to supplement, not replace, the team’s recruiting efforts.
Moreover, not every transfer hits. Despite making several solid additions, Tennessee has experienced some portal transfers that have not lived up to expectations. Whether due to injury, lack of production, or a failure to adjust to the new system, the Vols have had their fair share of portal flops. This reality makes it crucial for Heupel and his staff to evaluate transfer prospects carefully.
Retention: Keeping the Core Intact
While the transfer portal has provided the Vols with several advantages, player retention is equally important for the team’s long-term success. Retaining talented players is a cornerstone of any successful program. College football teams that can hold on to their best players are generally able to build more sustained success, as they are able to develop talent over time and avoid constant turnover.
For Tennessee, retention has been an area of concern, especially with key players potentially testing the transfer portal. The growing trend of players leaving for other programs has made it all the more important for Heupel and the Tennessee staff to foster an environment that incentivizes players to stay, develop, and contribute.
Key Retention Moves in 2024-2025
On the retention front, the Vols have been largely successful in keeping their key players from jumping to the transfer portal. Despite several rumors swirling around potential departures, Tennessee managed to retain players who are expected to play major roles in the 2025 season.
Quarterback Joe Milton III is perhaps the most notable example. After a rollercoaster 2024 campaign, some fans worried that Milton might explore his options, especially with his inconsistency and the presence of backup quarterbacks ready to compete for the starting job. However, Milton’s decision to stay solidified the Vols’ offense, providing the team with stability under center.
Similarly, Tennessee retained important players on both sides of the ball, including key members of the offensive line, linebackers, and the secondary. By maintaining the core group, the Vols ensured that they could build on the success of the previous seasons while continuing to develop talent for the future.
Retention Challenges: NIL and Transfer Portal Pressure
However, player retention is not without its challenges. The growing role of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals has added a new layer of complexity to the retention process. Some players are being lured away by the financial incentives offered by other programs with more lucrative NIL opportunities. As a result, Tennessee, like many programs, has had to up its game in terms of retaining players by offering competitive NIL packages to keep key contributors on campus.
The transfer portal also presents a unique challenge to retention efforts. As players see the success of others who have transferred to different programs and gained immediate playing time or success, they may be tempted to enter the portal themselves in search of more playing opportunities or a better fit. While Tennessee has largely been able to retain most of its talented roster, the ever-present threat of portal departures looms large.
Evaluating Tennessee’s Offseason Performance
In terms of evaluating Tennessee’s offseason, the program has demonstrated a solid balance between bringing in new talent via the transfer portal and maintaining player retention. The additions of key transfers like Dante Thornton Jr. have bolstered the roster in areas of need, while the program has largely avoided significant departures. This suggests that Tennessee’s staff has done a good job navigating the complexities of both recruitment and retention.
However, there are areas where the program could improve. For one, while Tennessee has made important additions through the portal, the Vols need to ensure they are not sacrificing long-term development for short-term solutions. The program’s success will ultimately depend on their ability to develop talent, especially through recruiting and player development, rather than relying too heavily on transfers.
Moreover, while Tennessee has made strides in retaining key players, the increasing influence of NIL and the transfer portal will make retention efforts even more critical in the future. As college football continues to evolve, Heupel and his staff must find ways to keep their players happy, both on and off the field, to ensure the program remains competitive.
