Tennessee football is missing one thing in this year’s transfer portal class

The transfer portal has become an integral part of college football, reshaping the way programs build their rosters and pursue talent. For teams like the Tennessee Volunteers, the portal has offered an opportunity to fill gaps in their roster and bring in much-needed reinforcements. The Vols, under head coach Josh Heupel, have been building a program that has been competitive in the SEC and on the national stage. However, despite having one of the most potent offenses in the country and a solid foundation, Tennessee football is missing one key piece in its transfer portal class this year: defensive reinforcements.

While Tennessee has made significant strides offensively with the emergence of quarterback Joe Milton, wide receiver Brew McCoy, and running back Jabari Small, their defense has remained a question mark. In a conference as competitive as the SEC, with teams like Georgia, Alabama, and LSU all boasting strong offensive units, Tennessee’s defense has struggled to consistently perform at a high level. As a result, the Vols are at a critical juncture where the defense needs to be bolstered for the team to take the next step.

The Importance of Defensive Improvement for Tennessee

Under head coach Josh Heupel, Tennessee has quickly developed into one of the most explosive offenses in the country. The high-tempo system Heupel implemented has made the Vols a nightmare for opposing defenses, particularly through the air. However, to truly compete for an SEC Championship and make a run at the College Football Playoff, Tennessee must improve defensively.

Over the past few seasons, the Vols have shown flashes of brilliance on defense but have often been inconsistent. Whether it was struggling to stop the run, covering elite wide receivers, or failing to generate enough pressure on opposing quarterbacks, Tennessee’s defense has been a weak link that opposing teams have capitalized on.

With an offense that can put up points quickly, Tennessee’s defense has been forced to play catch-up, often being put in difficult positions because of the fast pace of the offense. While the defense has been able to create some turnovers, they have not been able to sustain consistent pressure or shutdown opposing offenses when it matters most.

To compete with the top-tier programs in the SEC, Tennessee must improve its defensive unit, particularly in terms of talent and depth. This year’s transfer portal class is crucial for filling some of these gaps and giving the Vols a more balanced and competitive roster moving forward.

What Tennessee Needs From the Transfer Portal

When examining the defensive needs for Tennessee in the transfer portal, several areas stand out that could have the most immediate impact. While Tennessee has made progress with recruiting, especially on the offensive side of the ball, defensive depth remains a priority.

1. Pass Rush and Defensive Line Help

One of Tennessee’s biggest issues defensively over the past few seasons has been generating consistent pressure on the quarterback. Without a reliable pass rush, opposing quarterbacks have had the luxury of sitting back in the pocket, waiting for plays to develop. This has allowed offenses to pick apart Tennessee’s secondary, particularly against elite teams with skilled quarterbacks.

In the SEC, where quarterbacks like Bryce Young (Alabama), Stetson Bennett (Georgia), and Will Rogers (Mississippi State) are capable of putting up big numbers, having a dominant pass rush is essential. Tennessee’s defensive line has shown potential but has lacked the depth and elite talent necessary to disrupt opposing offenses consistently.

While Tennessee does have some strong players on the defensive line, the addition of a proven pass rusher through the portal would be invaluable. A player who can get to the quarterback regularly, whether through edge pressure or interior pressure, would transform Tennessee’s defense and make life much easier for their secondary. This is an area where Tennessee has been missing a dynamic playmaker for some time.

A player like Javon Bullard, who has experience in SEC defenses, or an elite pass rusher from a Power 5 school would make a huge difference for the Vols. Adding a defensive end or outside linebacker with a proven track record of getting to the quarterback would not only strengthen the pass rush but also provide the defense with a higher level of consistency.

2. Secondary Reinforcements

Tennessee’s secondary has had its share of struggles in recent years. While they have some talent in the back end, such as Wesley Walker and Kamal Hadden, the unit as a whole has often been inconsistent, particularly against high-powered passing attacks. This is a significant concern for the Vols, who face some of the best quarterbacks in the country week in and week out in the SEC.

In particular, Tennessee’s ability to cover elite wide receivers and prevent big plays has been an issue. Against teams like Georgia, Alabama, and even Kentucky, Tennessee’s secondary has allowed too many explosive plays, and that’s been a problem that has cost them in big games.

The Vols are in need of an experienced cornerback or safety who can lock down receivers and create turnovers. A player with strong ball skills, the ability to read the quarterback’s eyes, and good speed to cover sideline-to-sideline would be a perfect fit. Given the high level of competition Tennessee faces, a proven player who can elevate the defensive backfield could be the difference between winning and losing games.

For example, the addition of a cornerback like Ja’Darian Smith (a transfer from a program with proven defensive success) could provide Tennessee’s secondary with the leadership and physicality it needs. Whether it’s adding depth at cornerback or finding an elite safety who can help in both coverage and run support, the Vols would benefit significantly from such an acquisition.

3. Linebacker Depth

Tennessee’s linebacker corps has been solid, but injuries and inconsistency have been an issue. Players like Aaron Beasley and Juwan Mitchell have shown flashes of excellence but have struggled with staying healthy and playing consistently at a high level. Depth at linebacker is crucial for Tennessee, as the SEC is a grind, and having reliable backups is important for maintaining a competitive defense throughout the season.

A veteran linebacker with experience in pass coverage, run defense, and leadership would be a perfect addition to the Tennessee defense. This type of player could step in immediately and provide the stability and leadership that the linebacker unit needs to elevate the defense as a whole.

The addition of a player like Trey Williams, a linebacker with experience in a top conference, would give the Vols a reliable and productive linebacker to rotate in, keeping their defense fresh throughout the season.

The Transfer Portal’s Role in Building Championship-Level Teams

While the transfer portal is a valuable tool for addressing immediate needs, it is not a quick fix for building a championship-level program. For Tennessee, the transfer portal provides a chance to fill gaps in the roster, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, but long-term success will depend on Heupel’s ability to develop recruits and maintain stability within the program.

Building a program that can compete for SEC and national championships requires balance: a high-powered offense, a defense capable of slowing down high-scoring teams, and special teams that can make key plays. Tennessee is close to achieving that balance, but as the team heads into the 2024 season, improving the defense remains the most pressing concern.

By addressing their needs on the defensive line, in the secondary, and at linebacker through the transfer portal, Tennessee can build a more complete team that can compete with the elite programs in the SEC and beyond. If the Vols can add a few more playmakers on defense, the sky’s the limit for this program.