Three possible destinations for Tennessee wide receiver Nathan Leacock are listed on the Transfer Portal.

Nathan Leacock, with his impressive 6-foot-3, 217-pound frame, stands out as an appealing option for coaches in search of a powerful, physical receiver to create difficult matchups for smaller cornerbacks. His blend of size and speed makes him a versatile threat, but his potential is yet to be fully realized, as he needs more opportunities to showcase his talents on the field. As Leacock contemplates a move from Knoxville, several programs could be ideal landing spots for the wide receiver, each in need of a player of his caliber to bolster their roster.

1. Missouri Tigers

After a disappointing 2024 season, Missouri will be looking to regroup and rebuild, especially with the impending departures of two key wide receivers. Theo Wease Jr. and Luther Burden III, who were the Tigers’ top receiving threats in terms of yardage last season (809 and 676 yards, respectively), are both expected to declare for the NFL Draft. These two receivers could be early-round selections, leaving a significant gap in Missouri’s offense. Additionally, Mookie Cooper, who finished third in receiving yards, is also moving on after undergoing a season-ending surgery for an undisclosed injury.

With these departures, Missouri faces a need for new talent at wide receiver. Currently, the Tigers have Marquis Johnson and Joshua Manning remaining on their roster. However, these players may not be enough to fill the void left by the outgoing stars. Nathan Leacock could step in and become a key player in their offense, providing a strong, reliable target on the outside. His physicality and ability to stretch the field would give Missouri a significant weapon to build around, helping them bounce back and create more consistent offensive production in 2025.

2. Auburn Tigers

Next, Leacock could look to join another Tigers program—Auburn. The Auburn Tigers have faced a period of mediocrity in recent years, with their last trip to the championship game in 2017 marking the peak of their performance. Over the past five seasons, Auburn has posted a 28-33 record, and head coach Hugh Freeze’s tenure has been lackluster, with an 11-14 record through two years. As Auburn enters 2025, they are under pressure to turn things around, especially with the anticipated arrival of highly touted five-star recruit Deuce Knight.

If Knight steps in as the starting quarterback, he will need reliable weapons to help him succeed. Leacock could be a key addition to Auburn’s wide receiver corps, providing a strong, physical presence to complement Cam Coleman, another emerging star on the outside. Additionally, Auburn has Malcolm Simmons, who can be utilized in a versatile role in the slot, using his agility for jet sweeps and motions to keep defenses on their toes. With Leacock’s potential to make an immediate impact, he could help stabilize Auburn’s passing attack, giving Knight the tools needed to succeed in his freshman year and putting Auburn in a better position for a competitive 2025 season.

3. Texas A&M Aggies

Finally, Texas A&M represents another promising destination for Leacock. The Aggies posted an 8-4 record in 2024, which, while respectable, was largely bolstered by their strong ground game. Now, as they enter the transfer portal in search of key reinforcements, the Aggies are focused on upgrading their roster for a more balanced offensive attack in 2025.

Texas A&M has already made a notable move by adding Jacob Zeno, a four-star quarterback recruit from UAB, alongside Marcel Reed to strengthen their quarterback room. Now, the Aggies must focus on revamping their receiving corps, which was underwhelming in 2024. No receiver on the roster caught more than 34 passes or accumulated over 545 yards, a clear indicator that Texas A&M needs more dynamic playmakers at wide receiver.

Leacock would be an immediate upgrade for the Aggies, offering the type of physicality and explosiveness that the team lacked in the previous season. His ability to create separation from defenders and make plays downfield could complement Texas A&M’s strong running game, helping to balance their offensive attack. With Leacock as a potential centerpiece, Texas A&M could become a much more formidable opponent in 2025, with a more potent passing attack that complements their already effective ground game.

Conclusion

As Nathan Leacock considers his next move in the transfer portal, several programs stand out as potential destinations where he could make an immediate impact. Whether it’s Missouri looking to reload after significant departures, Auburn hoping to find stability with a new quarterback, or Texas A&M aiming to complement its ground game with a more dynamic passing attack, Leacock has the opportunity to step in and make a major difference.

His size, speed, and playmaking ability are assets that any program would covet, and with more playing time, he could easily emerge as a top-tier receiver in the country. Leacock’s decision will be critical, both for his development and for the program he chooses, as he seeks to maximize his potential and help his new team compete at a high level in 2025.