Tennessee football has seen significant strides under head coach Josh Heupel, and its success on the field and in the transfer portal has been a key component of the team’s resurgence. The Volunteers have had notable success in recent years, capturing attention in the SEC and beyond. With a high-powered offense, elite recruiting classes, and a growing national profile, Tennessee is positioning itself for long-term success. However, as with any team, there are areas where the Volunteers still have room for improvement, particularly in the 2025 transfer portal cycle.
While Tennessee has made notable additions in various positions—bringing in key players to address needs in both the offensive and defensive units—one thing appears to be missing from the Volunteers’ 2025 transfer portal class: a standout, game-changing defensive playmaker.
The Rise of Josh Heupel’s Program
Under Heupel, Tennessee has embraced a high-octane offensive philosophy that has brought them success in the SEC. Heupel’s system focuses on up-tempo, explosive plays, and maximizing the talent of his quarterbacks and skill players. Quarterback Hendon Hooker’s development, paired with playmakers like Jalin Hyatt and Bru McCoy, has turned Tennessee’s offense into one of the most feared units in college football.
In the 2024 season, Tennessee finished with a record that signaled its continued upward trajectory. While their offense was elite, the defense showed flashes of promise but still lacked the consistency required to compete at the highest levels in the SEC. It’s not that the Volunteers’ defense was ineffective—far from it—but there were key moments where the defense couldn’t make critical stops in crucial games. This has created an ongoing debate within the Tennessee football program: can they find that elusive defensive game-changer?
The Defensive Deficiency
While Tennessee’s offense may be among the best in the country, its defense has been a work in progress. The Volunteers have made strides under defensive coordinator Tim Banks, but the unit still lacks a true difference-maker who can dominate the game in the way that some of the best defenses in the SEC do. The Volunteers have had players like Aaron Beasley, who have been consistent and dependable, but they are still looking for that one player who can elevate the defense to another level. This player would need to be someone who can not only stop the run and pressure the quarterback but also make plays in the secondary.
The SEC is a league where defensive talent can make or break a program, and teams like Georgia, Alabama, and LSU have shown just how important elite defensive playmakers can be in achieving success on the biggest stages. Whether it’s a linebacker who can cover ground and disrupt plays or a defensive back who can shut down an opposing team’s best receiver, having that one player who can take over a game is something Tennessee’s defense currently lacks.
While Tennessee has added some promising players in the transfer portal, including some defensive linemen and linebackers, they have yet to land a true “game-wrecker” who can change the course of a game with their individual performance.
The Importance of a Game-Changing Defensive Player
To compete at the highest level of college football, especially in the SEC, teams must have a defense that can make key stops when needed. One example is Georgia’s defense over the past few seasons. The Bulldogs’ ability to control the line of scrimmage and generate pressure from both their defensive line and linebackers has been a major factor in their success. Players like Jalen Carter and Nolan Smith were crucial to Georgia’s national championships, as they could dictate the pace of games, stop the run, and create havoc in the passing game.
Alabama has had similar success with elite defensive players such as Will Anderson Jr. and Dallas Turner. These players are capable of taking over games, and when a defense has players who can perform at that level, it gives the entire team confidence. It allows the offense to play more freely, knowing that if they make a mistake, the defense can step up and bail them out.
Tennessee is not far from being in this conversation, but the missing piece is a defensive game-changer. While the Vols have a solid defensive foundation, adding a top-tier player who can dominate on the field would elevate the entire program.
The Transfer Portal: A Key Opportunity
The transfer portal has been a key avenue for college football programs to address their weaknesses and fill immediate needs. Tennessee has already been successful in the portal, securing impact players who have bolstered both the offense and defense. Quarterback Joe Milton, who transferred from Michigan, has become the centerpiece of Tennessee’s offense, and the Volunteers’ ability to add players like Milton demonstrates their success in leveraging the portal.
However, as the 2025 transfer portal cycle unfolds, Tennessee has yet to land a player who can make an immediate, transformative impact on the defensive side of the ball. The portal offers an opportunity to add a player who can fill this role—someone who is capable of stepping in and being an elite player from day one. Whether it’s a standout defensive lineman, an explosive linebacker, or a shutdown cornerback, Tennessee has the resources and the recruiting power to attract this type of player.
A defensive playmaker in the portal could have an immediate impact. For example, a pass rusher capable of getting after the quarterback could be a game-changer for Tennessee’s defense. In a league where quarterbacks like Bryce Young, Will Rogers, and KJ Jefferson are regular fixtures, putting pressure on these quarterbacks is a critical component of Tennessee’s success. A defensive lineman or edge rusher who can disrupt the opposing offense and force mistakes would be a massive asset for the Volunteers.
Similarly, Tennessee could benefit from adding a linebacker who can be a sideline-to-sideline force. Linebackers who can cover in the passing game while also being stout against the run are invaluable, and in the SEC, where teams often rely on powerful running backs and mobile quarterbacks, having a linebacker who can make plays in both aspects is crucial.
Additionally, a cornerback who can lock down an opposing team’s top receiver and allow the rest of the defense to function with more freedom would be a significant addition. Tennessee’s secondary has shown flashes of potential, but it lacks a true shutdown corner who can make big plays and take away the opponent’s best offensive weapon.
The Recruiting Advantage
Tennessee has the ability to pull top-tier talent through the transfer portal, particularly given its current position as one of the premier programs in the SEC. With Heupel at the helm and the Volunteers regularly competing for top recruits, the program has the stature and resources to make a significant impact in the portal. Players are increasingly looking for programs that offer opportunities to play at a high level and showcase their skills on the national stage. Tennessee is well-positioned to offer that platform, making it a desirable destination for top defensive talent looking to make an impact immediately.
With the program’s strong coaching staff, a growing fan base, and the opportunity to compete for championships, Tennessee can attract players who want to be a part of the program’s rise to prominence. This gives the Volunteers a distinct edge in the recruiting game, especially when it comes to landing elite defensive playmakers.
Conclusion
Tennessee football has made great strides under Josh Heupel, and its offense is one of the most potent in college football. However, for the Volunteers to take the next step and compete with the elite programs in the SEC, they need a game-changing defensive player to anchor their defense and elevate the entire unit. The transfer portal represents the best opportunity for Tennessee to find this type of player and close the gap between their high-powered offense and the defensive side of the ball.
While Tennessee’s defense is talented and improving, adding that one player who can take over a game and make an impact in critical moments would solidify the Volunteers as a true contender in the SEC. As the 2025 transfer portal cycle continues to unfold, Tennessee must focus on finding that missing piece—whether it’s a dominant pass rusher, an explosive linebacker, or a lockdown cornerback—to complete their rise back to prominence in college football.
