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Portal Closes, But Vols Stay Active: Tennessee Navigates a Critical Weekend of Roster Moves

Knoxville, TN — April 25, 2025

As the NCAA transfer portal officially closes today, most programs across the country are locking in their rosters, assessing what they’ve gained and what they’ve lost. But in Knoxville, the action is far from over. The Tennessee Volunteers, long known for making late splashes and strategic roster additions, are still experiencing plenty of movement as they head into what could be a pivotal weekend for multiple sports.

Though the portal has closed for entries, commitments, decisions, and final visits are still unfolding, and for Tennessee, this weekend might be just as important as the months leading up to it.

“You never stop building,” said Tennessee football head coach Josh Heupel. “The portal may close, but development, recruiting, and making smart moves never does.”

Portal Window: What It Actually Means

As of today, April 25, the spring transfer portal window officially closes for all Division I sports. This means that athletes must have entered their name into the portal by midnight to be eligible to transfer without sitting out a season.

However, the closing of the window doesn’t stop portal commitments from happening. Players who entered by the deadline can still visit schools, weigh options, and commit in the days and weeks ahead.

This creates a late-April frenzy for coaching staffs across the country—and few have been as dialed in as the Volunteers.

Football: Searching for Finishing Pieces

With spring football wrapped and the Orange & White Game in the rearview mirror, Tennessee’s staff has shifted into overdrive on the transfer front.

Despite a solid spring showing, questions remain at key positions:

• Cornerback depth
• Backup quarterback
• Offensive line insurance
• Edge rusher experience

The Vols already added Micah Williams, a former 5-star DE from Oregon who flashed during limited Pac-12 action. Williams committed to Tennessee on Wednesday and is expected to contribute immediately in pass-rush packages.

But don’t expect the staff to be done yet.

“We’re still hosting visits this weekend,” a Tennessee staffer said anonymously. “We know the portal is closed for entry—but we’re wide open for business when it comes to building the best team possible.”

Several names to watch:

• Cameron Hines, a veteran OL from TCU, is visiting campus Friday.
• Rashad Benton, a cornerback from Miami, reportedly has Tennessee in his final two.
• Kyle Bell, a dual-threat QB from Sam Houston State, has drawn interest as a backup option.

Basketball: Wait and Watch Mode for Rick Barnes

On the hardwood, the men’s basketball program is in flux following a deep NCAA tournament run and the early NBA declaration of several key players. Veteran coach Rick Barnes and his staff have been selective in their portal pursuits, looking for the right fits—not just raw talent.

So far, the Vols have added Davion Franklin, a 6’9” stretch four from Boston College who averaged 13.5 PPG and 7.1 RPG last season. But that might be just the beginning.

Tennessee is believed to be in the running for Jerome Turner, an elite 6’6” wing from Illinois State who entered the portal earlier this month and has emerged as one of the most coveted scorers available. Turner will visit Knoxville on Sunday.

Meanwhile, point guard clarity remains the top priority. With veteran Santiago Vescovi graduating and Zakai Zeigler weighing pro options, Tennessee may still seek another experienced floor general.

“It’s not about rushing,” Barnes told reporters earlier this week. “We’re building a locker room, not just a depth chart.”

Lady Vols Hoops: Reload, Not Rebuild

Over on the women’s side, Kellie Harper’s Lady Vols have become one of the most respected programs in portal strategy. With a strong returning core and a top-tier recruiting class, the Lady Vols aren’t looking to rebuild—they’re looking to reload.

Still, the portal has been kind to Tennessee. The program added Leila Santiago, a 6’1” guard from Arizona who brings three-point shooting and length to the backcourt. They also landed Aniyah Crawford, a former McDonald’s All-American from Baylor who enters with two years of eligibility.

This weekend could bring one more addition, depending on how things shake out with Mya Grant, a physical post from the University of Washington who has included Tennessee in her final three.

Behind the scenes, Harper’s staff continues to evaluate development options for the program’s rising sophomores.

“We’re focused on championship habits,” Harper said. “That means bringing in people who elevate everything—from practices to culture.”

Baseball and Softball: Playoff Push with Eyes on the Future

While the basketball and football portal moves draw the most attention, the Vols’ baseball and softball programs are also seeing ripple effects from the transfer cycle.

Tony Vitello’s baseball team, currently a top-five squad and SEC contender, is looking to solidify depth and prepare for potential draft departures. Word is the Vols may target a JUCO catcher or corner infielder this offseason.

Meanwhile, softball coach Karen Weekly is managing transfer conversations delicately during a crucial SEC stretch. Still, her staff is already planning for 2026, contacting pitchers and sluggers from mid-major schools who’ve hit the portal.

“You want to win now, but also build for tomorrow,” Weekly said. “This weekend, we’re doing both.”

Track & Field, Volleyball, and Olympic Sports Thrive in Portal Era

Not to be overlooked are the Olympic sports, where the portal has become a major asset.

Matt Kredich’s swim program recently picked up two All-American transfers, including freestyle specialist Mikayla Torres, who will join the Lady Vols this summer.

Volleyball coach Eve Rackham Watt is still exploring one more defensive specialist after losing a key rotation player to a surprise early retirement. A decision could come as early as Saturday evening.

“The portal is a new world for every sport, not just football and hoops,” said assistant AD Kevin Brewster. “And Tennessee has embraced that better than most.”

One major reason Tennessee continues to succeed late in the portal cycle: culture.

Current athletes across all programs have been vocal advocates for their teams, often reaching out directly to portal prospects. Peer-to-peer recruiting is no longer informal—it’s strategic.

“We want people who fit what we’re building,” said softball captain Emma Gentry. “That’s on the field, in the weight room, and in the locker room.”

On social media, Tennessee athletes regularly post highlights, facility tours, and team moments aimed at attracting future teammates. Coaches have praised the organic buy-in from their athletes.

“It’s not forced. These players love this place,” Rick Barnes said. “And that shows.”

Another reason Tennessee remains active: its strong Name, Image, and Likeness infrastructure.

The Spyre Sports Group, which helps coordinate NIL deals for Vols athletes, is considered one of the most organized collectives in the country. That structure gives Tennessee an advantage when it comes to final portal negotiations.

Portal entrants are often looking not just for playing time—but for the right combination of exposure, support, and financial potential.

“Tennessee is a top-tier NIL destination now,” said one college basketball insider. “That’s why they’re always in the mix late.”

Vol Nation, never quiet, has been tracking every rumor, visit, and update with obsessive detail. Fan forums, social media threads, and message boards have become ground zero for portal buzz.

Several fans even organized a “Portal Watch Party” outside Neyland Stadium, complete with music, cornhole, and a live stream of VolQuest updates.

“It’s like NFL free agency, but more chaotic,” said longtime fan Todd Westbrook. “And honestly? More fun.”

As the NCAA’s transfer portal window officially closes, some schools will breathe a sigh of relief.

Tennessee?

They’ll keep grinding.

Because in Knoxville, the work doesn’t stop at the deadline. It pushes forward—into the weekend, into next season, into a vision that’s about more than one roster or one sport.

The Vols understand that championships aren’t built on signing days or rankings alone.

They’re built in the trenches, in the film rooms, and yes, even in the last frantic hours of a transfer portal weekend.

And right now, no one is navigating that better than the Big Orange.