Is Tennessee Football Looking To Add A Transfer Running Back?

The University of Tennessee football program has enjoyed considerable success under head coach Josh Heupel since he took the reins in 2021. With a high-powered offense that ranks among the best in college football, the Volunteers have become a perennial contender in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). However, despite a potent passing attack led by quarterback Joe Milton III and a fast-paced offense, there remains a lingering question about the team’s running back room.

As the Volunteers look to continue building upon their success, the possibility of adding a transfer running back is becoming increasingly plausible. But is Tennessee actively seeking a new running back from the transfer portal? Let’s explore this idea in more detail, considering both the current state of the position and the potential for adding a key player from the portal.

Current State of Tennessee’s Running Back Room

Tennessee’s running back room has experienced significant changes in recent years, both in terms of personnel and overall performance. While the team has traditionally relied on a strong running game to complement its passing attack, the current offense is heavily skewed toward the aerial assault. Heupel’s system is fast-paced, and often the focus shifts to high-scoring games, making the running game somewhat less prominent. However, a balanced offensive attack is still essential, and the Volunteers have a capable group of backs, even if the need for an upgrade is becoming more apparent.

As of now, Tennessee’s primary running backs are Jabari Small, Jaylen Wright, and Dylan Sampson, with each player contributing to the ground game in different ways.

1. Jabari Small has been a reliable option for the Vols, but his ability to consistently break big plays has been questioned at times. He’s a hard runner with a low center of gravity and has proven himself as an effective goal-line option, but his yardage has tended to plateau in key games.
2. Jaylen Wright is another player with potential, and his explosiveness is one of the most promising aspects of Tennessee’s backfield. He has shown the ability to break off long runs, but his consistency and ability to contribute as a pass-catcher need further development.
3. Dylan Sampson provides speed and a bit of a change of pace, but at times, the freshman has been inconsistent, particularly when it comes to pass protection and vision.

Despite the upside of these players, there are a few concerns. First, there is a noticeable lack of a true game-changing back—someone who can consistently take over games, whether through power running, agility, or simply hitting home runs on the ground. Secondly, the injury bug has struck some of Tennessee’s backs in recent years, leaving the Vols without a full complement of players on occasion.

This lack of depth and true star power at running back has led many to believe that adding another player, particularly through the transfer portal, could help solidify Tennessee’s offense for the future.

Transfer Portal Trends and Tennessee’s Need for a Running Back

The transfer portal has become an integral part of modern college football, and Tennessee has been active in acquiring players through this avenue. While the Volunteers have been primarily focused on bolstering their defense and recruiting talent for the future, the running back position could be the next area where Tennessee looks for reinforcements.

Across the country, many teams have benefited from adding experienced players through the portal, particularly at positions like running back, where a proven commodity can make an immediate impact. Tennessee could look for a running back who can contribute immediately, whether that player is a proven starter at another school or someone with untapped potential.

A key question is whether Tennessee will look for a “bell cow” running back—someone who can carry the load for the offense—or if they will seek a player to compete for a complementary role. Considering the high-octane nature of Heupel’s offense, the ideal candidate might be a back with good hands out of the backfield and the speed to thrive in space.

Potential Candidates From the Transfer Portal

Several transfer running backs could fit the profile of a player who would make sense for Tennessee. With the transfer portal becoming more fluid every year, the Vols could target a player who fits their offensive scheme. Here are a few types of running backs Tennessee might pursue:

1. Experienced Starter: Tennessee could target an established running back who has produced at a high level in a Power Five conference. These players often have multiple years of eligibility remaining and could immediately provide a boost to the offense. A player who has had success in a similar system or who possesses both power and speed could offer stability and contribute right away.
2. Explosive Playmaker: A back with elite speed and the ability to make defenders miss in the open field could be a game-changer for Tennessee. Heupel’s offense thrives on explosive plays, and a transfer running back with the ability to break long runs could be exactly what the Volunteers need. Look for backs who have had strong seasons but may have been overlooked or underutilized at their previous school.
3. Pass-Catching Back: Another possible addition is a running back who excels in the passing game. With the nature of Tennessee’s offense, having a versatile back who can line up in the slot, catch passes out of the backfield, and provide protection for the quarterback could make a significant difference in maximizing offensive output. Tennessee’s running backs have had mixed success in the receiving game, and this could be an area where a transfer running back would immediately add value.

What Would Adding a Transfer Running Back Mean for Tennessee?

The addition of a transfer running back would have several benefits for Tennessee. For one, it would provide additional depth to a position that has seen a bit of a drop-off in terms of consistency and production. The Vols have shown that they are capable of winning big games, but if they are to truly challenge the SEC’s elite teams, they will need to have a reliable and dynamic rushing attack to complement their already potent passing game.

Furthermore, bringing in a talented transfer running back could help build even more excitement around Tennessee’s offense, making it even more dangerous for opposing teams to plan against. With a well-rounded offense that can both air it out and grind out yards on the ground, the Volunteers would be positioned to make a serious run at a conference championship in the near future.