KNOXVILLE, TN - July 20, 2022 - Running back Jabari Small #2 of the Tennessee Volunteers portrait taken during 2022 Football Photo Day in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Andrew Ferguson/Tennessee Athletics
UPDATED: Tracking Tennessee’s Latest Targets in the Transfer Portal
As the 2024 offseason continues to unfold, the Tennessee Volunteers football program is actively navigating the transfer portal in an effort to bolster their roster ahead of the upcoming season. The portal has become a crucial element in college football recruitment, allowing teams to address specific needs by adding proven players from other programs. For Josh Heupel and his coaching staff, managing the portal effectively could make all the difference in their quest to maintain Tennessee’s standing as one of the premier teams in the SEC.
The Tennessee Volunteers have demonstrated considerable success under Heupel, with an offensive system that thrives on tempo, passing, and explosive playmakers. As a result, the Vols have attracted significant attention from potential transfer targets looking to play for a program on the rise. Heupel’s ability to develop offensive talent has already paid off, but the key to maintaining momentum may lie in adding just the right pieces from the transfer portal.
In this updated tracking report, we’ll break down Tennessee’s latest transfer portal targets, what positions they are looking to fill, and how these additions could impact the roster for the 2024 season. The transfer portal is in full swing, and Tennessee is making moves to ensure their program stays competitive.
Why the Transfer Portal Matters for Tennessee
The transfer portal is reshaping the landscape of college football, and teams like Tennessee are using it to their advantage. Unlike traditional recruiting, the portal allows teams to pick up experienced players who have already competed at the college level, giving them an immediate boost in depth and talent. For Tennessee, the portal offers a way to address specific weaknesses on their roster without having to wait for high school recruits to develop.
Heupel’s system demands versatility and speed, and he’s always looking for players who fit that mold. The transfer portal allows him to fill gaps in the roster—whether it’s adding talent to the wide receiver room, boosting the defensive line, or bringing in depth at cornerback or linebacker. The portal also provides opportunities for Tennessee to replace outgoing players, especially those who have declared for the NFL Draft or graduated.
In 2024, Tennessee is looking for key additions in several areas, including defensive back, linebacker, offensive line, and potentially even a quarterback or wide receiver to add more depth to their already potent offense. Below is a breakdown of Tennessee’s most notable transfer portal targets and how each player could contribute to the program.
1. Defensive Back Targets: Improving the Secondary
One area where Tennessee has focused their transfer portal efforts is in the secondary. While the Vols have talented players in the defensive backfield, there is a growing need for experience and depth in the cornerback and safety positions. With the departures of key players, including cornerbacks who have gone to the NFL Draft, Tennessee’s coaching staff is actively seeking immediate contributors in the defensive backfield.
Jalen Catalon (Safety) – Arkansas Transfer
Jalen Catalon, a standout safety from Arkansas, is one of the top names on Tennessee’s radar. A proven playmaker in the SEC, Catalon has a track record of being an elite safety with excellent ball skills and a knack for finding the football. During his time at Arkansas, he demonstrated the ability to both cover ground in the secondary and act as a physical presence in the run game.
Catalon’s ability to contribute immediately in the secondary would provide Tennessee with both leadership and playmaking ability. Given his ability to read quarterbacks and disrupt passing lanes, Catalon could be a key addition to the Vols’ defense. He would bring a wealth of experience and an ability to mentor younger players while also making an immediate impact on the field.
Treshawn McCullough (Cornerback) – Central Florida Transfer
Treshawn McCullough, a cornerback from Central Florida, has also drawn interest from the Volunteers. McCullough is a lengthy and physical corner with the potential to make an immediate impact in Tennessee’s pass-heavy defense. The SEC is known for its explosive passing attacks, and McCullough’s ability to lock down wide receivers and disrupt routes would be a valuable asset for Tennessee’s secondary.
Having played in an aggressive defensive system at UCF, McCullough would be well-suited for Tennessee’s high-tempo, high-pressure defense. His ability to adjust to the speed and physicality of the SEC would help bolster Tennessee’s defensive backfield and allow them to compete with the league’s elite quarterbacks and wide receivers.
2. Offensive Line: Protecting the Quarterback
Tennessee’s offensive line has been a strength in recent years, but the Vols are looking to add depth and experience along the front to ensure they can continue to protect Joe Milton (or whoever wins the starting quarterback job) and establish the run game. With the transfer portal, Tennessee is hoping to find linemen who can step in immediately and make a significant impact in 2024.
Emmanuel Pregnon (Offensive Guard) – USC Transfer
Emmanuel Pregnon, an offensive guard from USC, has become a target for Tennessee as they look to bolster their interior offensive line. Pregnon has the size and physicality to make an immediate impact at the collegiate level and could be a crucial addition to Tennessee’s offensive front. The Vols’ offense relies on strong, consistent blocking to execute their fast-paced system, and Pregnon could help solidify the line in both pass protection and run blocking.
Having played in the competitive PAC-12, Pregnon’s transition to the SEC could be challenging, but his pedigree and talent suggest that he could be a valuable asset for Tennessee’s offensive line. He would add valuable depth and experience, allowing Tennessee to maintain their high-powered offense while ensuring better protection for their quarterbacks.
Andre Roy (Offensive Tackle) – Auburn Transfer
Another potential addition for Tennessee is Andre Roy, an offensive tackle who has shown promise at Auburn. While Roy hasn’t yet reached his full potential, he has all the tools to succeed at the next level. Standing at 6’5″ and 320 pounds, Roy has the size to be an effective tackle in both the pass and run game. Given Tennessee’s reliance on wide receivers and explosive passing plays, having a solid and consistent offensive line will be crucial, especially when defending against the relentless pass rushes in the SEC.
Roy could develop into a key contributor for the Vols and help give Tennessee a more physical edge on the offensive line.
3. Wide Receiver: Adding Depth and Playmaking Ability
With the departure of some key players at wide receiver, Tennessee’s staff has been looking to add depth at the position to complement the current roster of playmakers. Tennessee’s offense thrives on speed, spacing, and vertical passing, making the wide receiver position critical to Heupel’s system.
Briston Williams (Wide Receiver) – Ole Miss Transfer
Briston Williams, a wide receiver from Ole Miss, has reportedly caught the attention of Tennessee’s coaching staff. A former standout at Mississippi, Williams brings a combination of size, speed, and ability to stretch the field vertically. As Tennessee continues to operate with one of the fastest offenses in the country, having another wide receiver capable of winning down the field would help open up additional opportunities for their explosive offense.
Williams would join an already impressive wide receiver group, providing valuable experience and adding depth. His ability to make plays over the middle and stretch the defense would give the Vols another weapon in the passing game, something that could prove beneficial when facing the tough defenses in the SEC.
4. Linebacker: Adding Depth and Experience
The linebacker position remains a priority for Tennessee as the Vols look to add more depth and athleticism to their defense. Linebackers are crucial in Heupel’s system, as they must be able to quickly read plays and cover ground in both the run and pass game.
Aidan Swann (Linebacker) – Michigan Transfer
Aidan Swann, a linebacker from Michigan, has emerged as a key target for Tennessee. Swann brings versatility and athleticism to the linebacker position, capable of playing both inside and outside linebacker. His ability to cover sideline-to-sideline and contribute to both the pass and run game would add flexibility to Tennessee’s defense.
Swann’s experience in the Big Ten, where physicality and toughness are paramount, would help him adjust to the speed and competition of the SEC. With Tennessee looking to shore up their linebacker corps, adding a player like Swann could provide instant impact and much-needed depth.
Conclusion: A Strong 2024 Recruiting Class in the Transfer Portal
As Tennessee prepares for the 2024 season, the transfer portal remains an essential tool in bolstering the roster and addressing specific needs. With key targets in positions like defensive back, offensive line, wide receiver, and linebacker, Tennessee is positioning itself to be even more competitive in the SEC and on the national stage.
While many of these players are still in the process of making decisions, the Vols’ coaching staff is doing everything it can to attract top talent. If they can land a few of their transfer portal targets, Tennessee will be in a strong position to make a run in 2024, continuing to build on the momentum of the previous seasons.
Stay tuned as we continue to monitor Tennessee’s transfer portal efforts and the impact these potential additions could have on the team’s quest for SEC dominance. With the right mix of transfers and continued development, Tennessee is poised to remain a force in college football.
