UPDATED: Monitoring the transfer site for Tennessee’s most recent targets

UPDATED: Monitoring the Transfer Portal for Tennessee’s Most Recent Targets

The transfer portal has become an integral part of college football in recent years, offering athletes the opportunity to move between programs and continue their collegiate careers. For teams like the Tennessee Volunteers, the transfer portal is a powerful tool that allows them to address specific needs, bolster their roster, and improve their chances of competing at the highest level. As the offseason progresses, the Tennessee football program, under head coach Josh Heupel, has made it a priority to monitor the transfer portal closely, keeping an eye on key targets that could make an immediate impact for the Volunteers.

As of 2025, Tennessee is positioned in a crucial spot, with several key players leaving the program due to graduation or opting for the NFL Draft. This necessitates a calculated and strategic approach to finding replacements who can step in and contribute right away. With the program already boasting a talented roster, the addition of key transfers could put Tennessee over the top in their quest for SEC and national dominance. Here, we’ll take a closer look at the most recent transfer portal targets for Tennessee, analyze the positions of need, and assess how these potential new additions could affect the Vols’ roster for the upcoming season.

The Importance of the Transfer Portal for Tennessee’s Success

Since Josh Heupel’s arrival in Knoxville, Tennessee’s football program has shown significant improvement, particularly in its offensive production. Heupel’s high-tempo, explosive offense has redefined the way Tennessee approaches football, and with his coaching expertise, the Volunteers have become one of the most potent offenses in college football. However, to reach the upper echelon of college football, Tennessee must continue to build a balanced and deep roster. That’s where the transfer portal comes into play.

The transfer portal has given Tennessee a unique opportunity to quickly address weaknesses in their roster and add proven talent from other programs. It’s an avenue that allows Tennessee to avoid waiting for high school recruits to develop and instead immediately bring in experienced players who can contribute right away. Whether it’s adding depth to the offensive line, bolstering the defensive backfield, or adding a dynamic playmaker to the receiving corps, the transfer portal is a critical tool for the Volunteers as they aim for continued success in the SEC.

For Tennessee, the key to utilizing the portal effectively is identifying the right players who fit Heupel’s system and can make an immediate impact. With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at some of the most recent targets for Tennessee in the transfer portal and analyze how these potential additions could shape the Vols’ roster for 2025.

1. Offensive Line Targets

One of Tennessee’s biggest needs heading into the 2025 season is improving their offensive line depth. While the Vols have several talented players on the roster, the offensive line is a unit that requires consistency and depth, especially given the pace of Heupel’s offensive scheme. The ability to block at a high level is crucial in a fast-paced offense that runs many plays per game, and Tennessee needs to ensure they have the depth and quality to maintain their level of play throughout the season.

Recent transfer portal targets for Tennessee have included offensive linemen from various programs. A few names that have emerged as potential fits for the Vols include:

– Jalen Foster (Texas A&M)
Foster is a versatile offensive lineman who has shown the ability to play multiple positions along the line. Standing at 6’5″ and 320 pounds, he possesses the physical traits necessary to succeed in the SEC. Foster’s experience in the SEC West has prepared him for the intensity and physicality of the league, and his ability to play both guard and tackle could provide valuable depth to Tennessee’s offensive line.

– Curtis Weatherspoon (Florida State)
Weatherspoon has been a standout lineman at Florida State and has received significant attention from several top programs. Known for his quickness and agility, he excels in zone-blocking schemes, which would be a natural fit for Tennessee’s offense. Adding a player with Weatherspoon’s skillset would provide Tennessee with a versatile and capable player who could contribute immediately.

2. Wide Receiver Targets

Tennessee has become known for its high-powered passing attack, and while they return some key playmakers at wide receiver, depth is always a concern. Wide receivers can get banged up during the season, and the high-tempo offense relies on multiple players to contribute. Given that, Tennessee has been closely monitoring the transfer portal for wide receivers who can complement their existing talent and provide another dynamic option in the passing game.

– J.J. Johnson (LSU)
Johnson, a former four-star recruit, has shown flashes of brilliance at LSU. Standing at 6’2″ with excellent speed and leaping ability, Johnson is a threat to stretch the field vertically. While his production has been limited at LSU due to depth in their receiving corps, he has the raw talent to be a standout in Heupel’s system. Johnson’s ability to take the top off of defenses would add a different dimension to Tennessee’s passing attack and give quarterback Nico Iamaleava another weapon at his disposal.

– Marcus Bailey (Oklahoma)
Bailey is a quick, elusive wide receiver with a knack for making plays after the catch. At 5’11”, he may not have the size of some of Tennessee’s top receivers, but his ability to change direction and create separation with his speed makes him an intriguing option for Tennessee. He could be used in a variety of roles, including the slot, and would be a natural fit in Tennessee’s up-tempo offense, where quick, dynamic players often thrive.

3. Defensive Back Targets

Tennessee’s defense made strides in 2024, but the secondary still remains an area where improvement is needed. The Volunteers have some talented cornerbacks and safeties, but injuries and inconsistencies have sometimes plagued the unit. To take the next step in SEC play, Tennessee must bolster their defensive backfield with experience and athleticism, especially given the high level of competition in the conference.

– Antoine Williams (Michigan State)
Williams is a ball-hawking cornerback who has the ability to lock down wide receivers in man coverage. At 6’1″, he has the size and speed to compete with SEC receivers, and his 4.4 speed gives him the ability to recover quickly in coverage. Williams has shown the ability to create turnovers, which is a highly valued trait in Tennessee’s defense, where creating takeaways is a key component of their strategy.

– Cameron Cook (Florida)
Cook is another standout defensive back who could add depth and versatility to Tennessee’s secondary. He has spent time at both cornerback and safety, and his ability to play in multiple roles would give Tennessee flexibility. His physicality and ability to defend in both zone and man coverage would be assets to a Tennessee defense that relies on a mix of schemes.

4. Linebacker Targets

Linebacker is another position that Tennessee has been targeting through the transfer portal. While they have several talented players in the linebacker corps, adding a player with experience and leadership could elevate the unit. A veteran linebacker could be just what Tennessee needs to shore up their defense and provide a steady presence in the middle of the field.

– Travis Harris (Arizona State)
Harris is a seasoned linebacker with great instincts and an ability to read plays quickly. His experience at Arizona State has prepared him for the SEC, and his leadership qualities would be a valuable addition to Tennessee’s linebacker corps. Harris excels in both pass coverage and stopping the run, making him an ideal fit for the Vols’ defensive scheme.

– Darius Holmes (Georgia Tech)
Holmes is an athletic linebacker who is known for his speed and ability to cover ground quickly. He possesses the ability to play sideline-to-sideline and has demonstrated solid tackling in both the run and pass game. Adding a player like Holmes would give Tennessee an athlete who can match up with the speed of opposing offenses in the SEC.

5. Quarterback Targets (Depth and Competition)

While Tennessee is solid at the quarterback position with Nico Iamaleava as the starter, the Vols have been monitoring the transfer portal for potential depth options at the position. With the unpredictable nature of the quarterback position, having a solid backup or potential competition for the starting role is crucial.

– Jordan McDonald (Ole Miss)
McDonald is a former high-profile recruit who has shown flashes of potential at Ole Miss. While he hasn’t won the starting job, his size and arm strength make him an intriguing option for Tennessee. He could provide competition for Iamaleava and offer solid depth in case of injury or other unforeseen circumstances.

– Blake Harris (UCLA)
Harris has experience in high-pressure situations and has shown an ability to move the ball effectively with both his arm and his legs. While Iamaleava is expected to be the starter, Harris could provide a solid backup option for the Vols.