Ranking the Top Five Players Who Have Left Josh Heupel’s Program via the Tennessee Volunteers Transfer Portal

Since Josh Heupel took over as head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers in 2021, he has overseen a rapid revival of the program, returning Tennessee to prominence after a period of mediocrity. While Heupel has done a remarkable job rebuilding the roster, the transfer portal has played an increasingly important role in the reshaping of college football teams, including Tennessee.

Several players have entered the transfer portal during Heupel’s tenure, and the exits of certain individuals have left significant impacts on the Volunteers’ roster. This article ranks the five most notable players who have left Tennessee via the transfer portal under Heupel’s coaching. These players were important for the team’s success at various points but ultimately chose to continue their careers elsewhere. The ranking will consider their impact at Tennessee, their potential at other programs, and how their departure affected Tennessee’s roster.

5. Jalin Hyatt – Wide Receiver

Transferred to: NFL Draft (2023)
Position: Wide Receiver
Years at Tennessee: 2020-2022

While Jalin Hyatt did not technically leave for another college program via the transfer portal (he entered the NFL Draft after the 2022 season), his decision to move on from Tennessee is significant for this ranking. Hyatt’s departure marked the end of a key chapter in Tennessee’s offensive development under Heupel.

Hyatt had a breakout season in 2022, recording 67 receptions for 1,267 yards and 15 touchdowns. His speed and ability to stretch the field made him one of the most dangerous wide receivers in college football. His performance earned him the prestigious Biletnikoff Award, given to the nation’s top receiver. Hyatt played a crucial role in Tennessee’s high-powered offense, which set numerous program records and helped the Vols reach a New Year’s Six bowl game.

His departure left a significant void in Tennessee’s receiving corps. However, it’s important to note that Hyatt left on a high note, with his decision to declare for the NFL Draft representing a natural progression for a player of his talent. Still, his absence from the roster made Tennessee’s offense a bit less dangerous in 2023, especially given his ability to make explosive plays downfield.

4. Tyler Baron – Defensive End

Transferred to: N/A (still at Tennessee as of 2024)
Position: Defensive End
Years at Tennessee: 2020-2023

Tyler Baron is a highly talented defensive end who has been one of the pillars of Tennessee’s defensive line during Heupel’s time in Knoxville. A former highly-rated recruit, Baron showed flashes of his immense potential early in his career. He was one of the Volunteers’ top pass rushers, contributing pressure on quarterbacks and helping to establish a better defensive front for Tennessee in recent seasons.

However, in the spring of 2024, Baron was reportedly in the transfer portal, leaving the program in a state of uncertainty. His decision to depart could be a blow to Tennessee’s defense, which has shown steady improvement under Heupel, but still struggles at times with depth and consistency in the trenches. Baron’s athleticism, length, and ability to rush the passer were key to Tennessee’s defensive success, and his departure leaves a significant hole in the defensive line.

Tennessee’s defensive line was expected to take a step forward in 2024, and Baron’s departure casts some doubt on that potential. His exit will likely lead to more opportunities for younger players, but losing an experienced starter at defensive end is a tough setback for a program aiming to climb higher in the SEC standings.

3. Alontae Taylor – Cornerback

Transferred to: NFL Draft (2022)
Position: Cornerback
Years at Tennessee: 2018-2021

Much like Jalin Hyatt, Alontae Taylor did not enter the transfer portal to play for another college, but his departure from the Tennessee program is a key moment in the Heupel era. Taylor played his final season in 2021 before entering the 2022 NFL Draft. However, the decision to leave the program left a hole in Tennessee’s secondary.

Taylor was a standout cornerback for the Volunteers, demonstrating his skills in both man and zone coverage. His leadership and ability to lock down receivers were integral to the improvement of Tennessee’s defense during his tenure. He recorded 150 total tackles, 4 interceptions, and 20 pass deflections over his career, becoming one of the cornerstones of Tennessee’s defensive unit.

While Taylor’s draft stock was not as high as some other defensive prospects in the SEC, he showed the ability to compete at a high level in a competitive league. His departure left a noticeable gap in Tennessee’s defensive backfield, as the team had to replace an experienced player who had been relied upon for several seasons. Taylor was a veteran presence on the field, and his absence in the secondary left the Volunteers with a need for younger players to step up.

2. Tavin Jackson – Quarterback

Transferred to: Indiana
Position: Quarterback
Years at Tennessee: 2022-2023

Tavin Jackson entered the transfer portal following the 2023 season after spending two years as a backup quarterback for the Volunteers. While Jackson did not see much playing time during his time at Tennessee, he was highly regarded as a strong prospect who was being groomed as a potential future starter.

Heupel’s offense is known for its fast-paced, dynamic passing attack, and while Jackson did not win the starting role, he was seen as a capable backup to Hendon Hooker and Joe Milton. The loss of Jackson was notable because it took away some depth at a crucial position. With Joe Milton already entering his final season in 2024, Jackson’s decision to leave leaves Tennessee with only limited options for future quarterback stability beyond the current season.

Jackson’s departure may also have implications for the long-term outlook at quarterback for Tennessee, as recruiting another top-tier quarterback to back up Milton or start after him becomes a key priority. Losing a promising player at the quarterback position raises concerns about depth and development at the most important position on the field.

1. Brew McCoy – Wide Receiver

Transferred to: USC
Position: Wide Receiver
Years at Tennessee: 2022-2023

Brew McCoy’s departure from Tennessee was one of the most significant and surprising exits under Josh Heupel. McCoy, a former highly touted recruit, arrived at Tennessee in 2022 after transferring from USC, where he had struggled to find consistent playing time. McCoy’s 2022 season at Tennessee saw him contribute heavily, particularly after Jalin Hyatt’s breakout season in 2022. His size, speed, and ability to make contested catches made him a valuable asset in Tennessee’s high-powered passing attack.

McCoy’s decision to leave Tennessee for USC in 2024 was seen as a blow to the Volunteers, as he had quickly become a key part of their wide receiver rotation. McCoy’s exit left Tennessee with a thinner receiver corps in 2024, especially given the lack of proven depth behind emerging stars like Squirrel White and Ramel Keyton. With Tennessee continuing to run a fast-paced offense under Heupel, having a veteran presence like McCoy could have been critical for the team’s success, and his departure put more pressure on younger players to fill the void.

McCoy’s loss will be felt throughout the upcoming season, as Tennessee will need to rely on less experienced receivers to fill his shoes in what is likely to be a competitive SEC environment. His exit also showed the challenges Tennessee faces in maintaining player retention, even with a promising offense.