Tennessee Survived the Initial Transfer Portal Window; Now It’s Time for the Vols to Make Some Additions
The world of college football has undergone significant changes in recent years, and the introduction of the transfer portal has been one of the most pivotal factors driving these transformations. The portal, which allows players to move between schools with more flexibility, has become a powerful tool for both players seeking a fresh start and teams looking to reload their rosters. For Tennessee football, the first transfer portal window of 2025 has come and gone. While the Volunteers’ program has managed to survive it largely unscathed, it is now time for head coach Josh Heupel and his staff to shift their focus to strategic additions that could help the team elevate its competitiveness in the SEC and nationally.
The Transfer Portal Window: A New Era in College Football
The transfer portal, implemented in 2018, allows student-athletes to enter their names into a database that notifies every college football program of their desire to transfer. This system has made it easier for athletes to find new homes, leaving behind restrictive rules about transferring and sitting out a season. Since its inception, the portal has seen massive growth, with more players than ever before taking advantage of this opportunity to switch schools.
There are two main transfer portal windows every year: one following the regular season, and another after spring football. The first window typically begins the day after the college football regular season ends and runs through mid-January. During this period, players are allowed to enter the portal and explore new options. The second window, which opens in late April after spring practice, is generally more active, with teams trying to fill gaps before the season kicks off.
For Tennessee, the first portal window of 2025 wasn’t nearly as chaotic as it might have been for other teams. While the Vols lost a few players, including a couple of contributors, they were able to keep many key members of their roster intact. That said, it’s clear that Tennessee must now turn its attention toward making some key additions to address areas of need and improve its overall depth as it looks to build on the success of recent seasons.
Surviving the Initial Transfer Portal Window
Tennessee’s success over the last few years has been driven by a high-powered offense led by Heupel, who brought an up-tempo, pass-heavy system to Knoxville. Heupel’s system thrives on speed, precision, and a deep roster of talented players. One of the reasons for Tennessee’s success in the portal was its ability to maintain continuity in its core group of players, particularly on offense.
The Vols avoided major losses in the transfer portal. Quarterback Joe Milton, who played a significant role in Tennessee’s offensive success in 2024, chose to return for his final season of eligibility. This decision alone provided Tennessee with a major stability boost, as the quarterback position is often a point of uncertainty during the transfer process. With Milton, Tennessee’s offense will remain formidable, especially with talented receivers like Squirrel White, Bru McCoy, and others returning.
Additionally, Tennessee didn’t see a mass exodus of talented players from the defensive side of the ball. Key players on defense, such as linebackers and defensive backs, decided to stay in Knoxville rather than testing the transfer waters. This helped preserve the foundation of Tennessee’s defense as it looks to continue its improvement under defensive coordinator Tim Banks.
However, Tennessee was not entirely immune to the changes brought by the transfer portal. Several players did enter the portal, with some seeing limited action or having already fallen down the depth chart. These departures might not be seismic, but they did create opportunities for Tennessee to improve its roster moving forward.
Areas of Need: What Tennessee Must Address
While Tennessee has managed to hold onto much of its talent, there are still clear areas where the Vols need to make some improvements. This is where the second transfer portal window comes into play. With several key roster spots still needing attention, Tennessee must focus on adding players who can make an immediate impact, especially in areas where depth or talent may be lacking.
1. Defensive Line Depth
One of the most pressing areas for improvement on Tennessee’s roster is the defensive line. While Tennessee has some strong individual players on the defensive front, the depth behind them is concerning. The Vols saw a departure of some key contributors along the defensive line in the transfer portal window, and adding proven talent at these positions should be a top priority.
Tennessee must focus on bringing in both interior defensive linemen and edge rushers who can contribute right away. Given the SEC’s emphasis on powerful, aggressive offenses, Tennessee will need to bolster its front-seven to help with both stopping the run and generating consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
With the conference continuing to evolve and teams like Georgia and Alabama continuing to stack elite rosters, Tennessee can’t afford to rest on its laurels. A few impactful additions to the defensive line can make a significant difference in how the Vols fare against high-powered offenses.
2. Offensive Line Depth and Versatility
Another area where Tennessee could use some help is on the offensive line. While the Vols have some strong pieces, including promising young talent, the offensive line is one of the most important units for sustaining offensive success, especially in Heupel’s high-paced system. As the Vols aim to remain competitive in the SEC, having depth on the offensive line will be critical to maintaining their tempo and providing a sturdy foundation for the offense.
Tennessee should look for offensive linemen who are versatile and can play multiple positions. This would help increase flexibility and provide crucial insurance in case of injuries or poor performance by current starters. Adding experienced players with the ability to make an immediate impact could be the difference between Tennessee staying competitive and potentially taking a step back.
3. Secondary Help
The defensive backfield is another position that Tennessee will likely look to improve through the transfer portal. While the Vols have shown growth in this area, they still have some question marks. With top-tier SEC offenses and high-caliber quarterbacks becoming more common, Tennessee’s secondary must improve in coverage, consistency, and playmaking ability.
Adding a seasoned cornerback or safety with proven production at the collegiate level could elevate Tennessee’s defense and provide more stability to a unit that has shown flashes of brilliance but lacks consistency. Given the competitive nature of the SEC, having a lockdown secondary is essential for any team with championship aspirations.
4. Wide Receiver and Playmaking Weapons
Tennessee’s offense has been defined by explosive plays and an up-tempo style that keeps opposing defenses on their heels. While the Vols return a talented group of wide receivers, including Squirrel White and Bru McCoy, there is room for additional playmakers who can provide depth and a change of pace. Adding a big-bodied, physically dominant wide receiver who can help in contested catch situations would be a valuable asset to the offense.
Additionally, Tennessee could explore adding a versatile running back to complement the existing stable of backs. With Heupel’s offense often relying on balance and speed, the Vols would benefit from an experienced back who can contribute in both the running game and the passing game.
Looking Ahead: Tennessee’s Transfer Portal Strategy
As Tennessee enters the second transfer portal window, it’s clear that the Vols are in a strong position to continue building on their recent success. By making strategic additions, particularly in areas of depth and key positions, Tennessee can solidify itself as a perennial contender in the SEC. With Heupel at the helm and a deep talent pool to work with, the Vols’ use of the transfer portal could very well determine how quickly they can reach the next level of national prominence.
Tennessee will need to be deliberate in its approach, seeking players who fit the culture and system Heupel has established while also addressing immediate needs. The Vols have shown that they can compete with the best in the SEC, and a few smart additions in the transfer portal could be the final piece to putting them over the top.
As teams across the nation gear up for the next phase of roster building, Tennessee must be strategic and calculated in its approach to ensure that the 2025 season is one where they take another step forward. The transfer portal is a vital part of modern college football, and Tennessee is positioned to use it effectively to reinforce its program and keep pace with the ever-evolving landscape of the sport.
