Emmanuel Pregnon is expected to visit the Tennessee Volunteers within the coming days, as the offensive lineman looks to find his next landing spot in the transfer portal. Pregnon, a former standout at both Wyoming and USC, has entered the portal after a solid stint with the Trojans in the 2023 season. Tennessee is one of the programs that has shown significant interest, and Pregnon’s visit could have major implications for the Vols as they look to shore up a hurting offensive line group ahead of the 2025 season.
Pregnon’s journey to this point has been a notable one. The Denver native began his college football career at Wyoming, where he immediately stood out as one of the best offensive linemen in the Mountain West Conference. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Pregnon was ranked as the third-best guard in the conference during his time with Wyoming, a testament to his skill and consistency. His performance caught the attention of bigger programs, leading to a transfer to USC ahead of the 2023 season.
At USC, Pregnon quickly adapted to the challenges of playing in the Pac-12, showcasing his ability to hold his own in a power-five conference. In his one season with the Trojans, Pregnon appeared in all 13 games and established himself as one of the team’s top offensive linemen. He earned high marks for his pass-blocking abilities, ultimately becoming USC’s highest-graded pass blocker according to PFF. His proficiency in protecting the quarterback was crucial for the Trojans’ offensive success during the season, and his performance did not go unnoticed by other schools, including Tennessee, which is now vying for his services.
Pregnon’s potential arrival at Tennessee would be a major boost for a program that has been facing challenges along the offensive line in recent seasons. The Vols have seen their offensive line undergo significant turnover in recent years, with key players either graduating, declaring for the NFL Draft, or entering the transfer portal. With the 2025 season approaching, Tennessee’s coaching staff is looking to rebuild and strengthen the offensive line, a crucial position group for the Vols if they want to continue their success on offense.
Tennessee’s offensive line will undergo considerable changes after the 2024 season, as several key players will depart. Guard Javontez Spraggins, offensive tackle John Campbell, and center Cooper Mays will all exhaust their eligibility and move on to the next stage of their careers, leaving sizable holes to fill. Additionally, Tennessee has already faced significant losses in the transfer portal, which has only exacerbated the need for reinforcements along the offensive front.
Thus far, Tennessee has made two notable additions via the portal: defensive lineman Wendell Moe and wide receiver Amari Jefferson. While these two players address specific needs on the roster, Tennessee’s offensive line remains one of the team’s most pressing areas of concern. The Vols will need to find experienced players who can step in and make an immediate impact in order to ensure that their high-powered offense remains as effective as it has been under head coach Josh Heupel.
The addition of Pregnon would be a much-needed boost for Tennessee’s offensive line. The 6-foot-5, 320-pound lineman has the size, experience, and skill set to contribute immediately to the Vols’ offensive line. Known for his strong pass-blocking ability, Pregnon could be a key piece in keeping Tennessee’s quarterback protected and ensuring that the Vols’ high-tempo offense continues to function at a high level. In addition to his pass-blocking skills, Pregnon’s versatility could provide Tennessee with flexibility on the offensive line. His experience playing multiple positions will allow him to contribute wherever the coaching staff feels he is most needed.
Pregnon is one of several high-profile offensive line transfers currently available, but Tennessee has a unique opportunity to land him due to its ongoing search for talent in this position group. With the Vols in need of an immediate contributor to their offensive line, Pregnon’s potential addition could make a significant difference for the team in 2025. As the Vols continue their efforts to reload and rebuild after key losses, Pregnon’s visit represents a step in the right direction as they look to strengthen one of the most important positions on the field.
One of the most significant factors in Pregnon’s decision to transfer to Tennessee could be the relationship he has already developed with the coaching staff. Head coach Josh Heupel and offensive line coach Glen Elarbee have built a reputation for developing talent along the offensive line, and this could be a major selling point for Pregnon as he weighs his options. The Vols have a proven track record of producing strong, physical offensive lines that fit well into Heupel’s fast-paced offensive system. This could make Tennessee an attractive destination for Pregnon, who will be looking to maximize his potential in his final years of eligibility.
Tennessee’s need for immediate help on the offensive line also makes Pregnon’s visit especially timely. The Vols will have some key returning players in 2025, including former LSU offensive lineman Lance Heard, who will provide veteran leadership after a solid season with Tennessee in 2024. Five-star freshman David Sanders is also expected to compete for a starting spot, potentially at right tackle. However, adding a player of Pregnon’s caliber would allow the Vols to develop a deeper and more cohesive offensive line, one that will be able to protect the quarterback and open holes for the running game.
Tennessee has high aspirations heading into the 2025 season, and continuing their success on offense will be critical to those goals. To maintain their offensive firepower, the Vols will need a strong, reliable offensive line that can protect quarterback play and execute Heupel’s offensive schemes. Emmanuel Pregnon represents one of the best options available to shore up that critical position group.
With the Vols continuing to evaluate and recruit for their offensive line, Pregnon’s visit could be the first step in securing a significant addition for the program. If he ultimately decides to commit to Tennessee, the Vols would be adding an experienced and highly skilled player who could make an immediate impact. Regardless of where Pregnon lands, however, his visit to Tennessee signals the Vols’ ongoing commitment to building a competitive and talented roster for the future.
Tennessee has faced its share of challenges in the transfer portal, but landing a player like Emmanuel Pregnon could go a long way in ensuring that the Vols remain competitive in the SEC and continue their upward trajectory under Josh Heupel. As the 2025 season approaches, the Vols’ success in the transfer portal will be pivotal to their success on the field, and Pregnon could be a key piece in that puzzle.
