3 Key Transfer Portal Targets the Tennessee Vols Can Still Land for 2025
As college football continues to evolve with the growing impact of the transfer portal, teams across the nation are strategically building their rosters. The Tennessee Volunteers, under head coach Josh Heupel, are no exception. After a successful 2024 season, the Vols are looking to enhance their roster even further, especially in areas where depth or talent could be improved. With the 2025 season on the horizon, Tennessee’s coaching staff is keeping a close eye on key transfer portal targets that could provide the boost they need.
The Vols have had success in recent years with portal acquisitions, making shrewd moves to bolster key positions. From offensive weapons to defensive playmakers, Tennessee’s recruitment efforts have been critical in establishing their competitive edge in the SEC. As they prepare for the 2025 season, there are a few key transfer portal targets that could immediately impact their program.
In this article, we’ll explore three of the most crucial transfer portal targets for the Tennessee Volunteers as they aim to continue building a championship-caliber roster.
1. Quarterback – Grayson McCall (Coastal Carolina)
Why He’s a Fit:
The Tennessee Vols are set at the quarterback position with Joe Milton leading the way, but the addition of an experienced and dynamic quarterback like Grayson McCall from Coastal Carolina could provide depth and an insurance policy in case of injury or inconsistency. McCall has been one of the most prolific quarterbacks in Group of Five football over the past few seasons, and his dual-threat ability would make him an excellent fit in Josh Heupel’s up-tempo, high-powered offense.
McCall’s Profile:
- Position: Quarterback
- Height/Weight: 6’3″, 210 lbs
- 2024 Stats: 3,000+ yards, 27 touchdowns, 4 interceptions, 65% completion rate
- Strengths: Dual-threat ability, accuracy, leadership, experience in a pass-heavy system
While Joe Milton has been a steady performer for Tennessee, McCall could come in and provide competition and depth. He has a proven ability to perform in high-pressure situations, having led Coastal Carolina to multiple bowl games and conference titles. His mobility and ability to extend plays would add an additional dimension to Tennessee’s offense. Additionally, McCall’s familiarity with up-tempo offenses could allow him to make an immediate impact.
Although McCall is likely to have several suitors, Tennessee’s offensive system aligns well with his skill set. He could seamlessly integrate into Heupel’s pass-first, fast-paced attack while adding competition and quality depth at the quarterback position for 2025 and beyond.
2. Wide Receiver – Rome Odunze (Washington)
Why He’s a Fit:
The Tennessee Volunteers’ passing game has been one of the most dynamic in college football under Josh Heupel, with a focus on stretching the field and creating mismatches. However, the loss of key playmakers to the NFL Draft has left the Vols needing to reload at the wide receiver position. Rome Odunze, the standout wide receiver from Washington, could be a game-changer for the Vols’ offense.
Odunze has been one of the most productive wide receivers in college football, showcasing incredible athleticism, route-running ability, and an ability to make spectacular catches. Pairing him with a quarterback like Joe Milton (or potentially a dual-threat option like McCall) could elevate Tennessee’s passing attack to even greater heights.
Odunze’s Profile:
- Position: Wide Receiver
- Height/Weight: 6’3″, 210 lbs
- 2024 Stats: 1,300+ yards, 12 touchdowns, 85+ receptions
- Strengths: Elite route-running, big-play potential, ability to win contested catches
Odunze has the physical attributes to thrive in the SEC and would provide Tennessee with a big-bodied target capable of making plays both inside and outside the numbers. His versatility would allow him to fit seamlessly into a wide-open passing game where he could be used to stretch the field and create mismatches against opposing defenses.
The ability to pair Odunze with Tennessee’s existing receiver core, including talents like Squirrel White and Caleb Webb, could provide an explosive and dynamic receiving corps that could be one of the best in the country. With Tennessee’s track record of developing wide receivers and maximizing offensive talent, Odunze could make an immediate impact and provide significant production.
3. Defensive Line – Jalen Carter (Georgia)
Why He’s a Fit:
The Tennessee defense has made significant strides in recent years, but the defensive line remains an area that can still be improved. With the SEC featuring some of the most powerful and dynamic offenses in the country, a strong, deep defensive line is a necessity for competing at the highest level. One player that could be a game-changer for the Vols is Jalen Carter, a disruptive force on the defensive front from Georgia.
Carter has been a dominant presence in the SEC, known for his ability to penetrate the line of scrimmage, disrupt the quarterback, and stop the run. His experience playing at Georgia, one of the top programs in the nation, would allow him to step into Tennessee’s defense and make an immediate impact. While Tennessee has solid defensive line talent, adding a player of Carter’s caliber would further elevate the defense to a championship-contending level.
Carter’s Profile:
- Position: Defensive Tackle
- Height/Weight: 6’5″, 310 lbs
- 2024 Stats: 40 tackles, 8 sacks, 15 tackles for loss
- Strengths: Pass rush, run defense, explosiveness off the ball, leadership
Carter would instantly give Tennessee one of the most dominant defensive linemen in college football, providing a massive boost to both their pass rush and run defense. His ability to collapse the pocket and pressure opposing quarterbacks would be invaluable in the SEC, where games are often won in the trenches.
In addition, Carter’s leadership and experience playing in high-stakes environments would help elevate Tennessee’s defense to a higher level. A player of his caliber can transform a defense, and with his potential to be a high NFL draft pick, the Vols would benefit immensely from his experience and playmaking ability.
