Tennessee Football Transfer Portal: 2026 Player Moves Under Josh Heupel

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Tennessee football is undergoing a significant transformation for the 2026 season, with several key players opting to enter the transfer portal. This move comes after a challenging 8-5 season under head coach Josh Heupel, who led the Vols with his youngest team in five years. To improve on this performance, the program will need to address several critical positions and bolster its roster through strategic transfers.

A number of Tennessee players have already announced their intentions to leave the program via the transfer portal, with more expected to follow. The Vols are actively seeking replacements to fill these spots and strengthen their team for the upcoming season.

Who is Leaving Tennessee Football via the Transfer Portal

DL Jayden Loftin

Jayden Loftin, a 6-4, 255-pound defensive lineman, announced his decision to enter the transfer portal on January 2. A four-star recruit in the 2025 class, Loftin saw limited action as a freshman, appearing in just one game without recording a tackle. He took a redshirt year, giving him four seasons of eligibility remaining.

PK Max Gilbert

Max Gilbert, the Vols' kicker, also entered the portal on January 2. Known for his accuracy, Gilbert made all 118 PAT kicks and 34 of 45 field goals over two seasons. His 75.6% field goal percentage ranks third in UT history for kickers with at least 25 attempts. However, he struggled in high-pressure moments. Gilbert has two seasons of eligibility left.

EDGE Emmanuel Okoye

Emmanuel Okoye, a 6-5, 243-pound edge rusher from Nigeria, was reported to be entering the portal on January 2. Discovered at London's NFL Academy in 2023, Okoye played eight games during the 2025 season but only recorded one tackle. He redshirted in 2023 and missed the 2024 season due to injury.

EDGE Caleb Herring

Caleb Herring, a 6-5, 245-pound edge rusher, announced his plans to enter the portal on January 2. A former top recruit in Tennessee, Herring played 36 games over three seasons, recording 25 tackles, eight tackles-for-loss, five sacks, and one forced fumble. He has one season of eligibility remaining.

CB Rickey Gibson

Rickey Gibson, a cornerback, was reported to be entering the portal on January 1. He suffered a season-ending upper-body injury in a Week 1 win over Syracuse. Gibson played 26 games with 13 starts, recording 42 tackles, three tackles-for-loss, six passes breakups, and one forced fumble. He has two seasons of eligibility remaining.

WR Amari Jefferson

Amari Jefferson, a wide receiver, was reported to be entering the portal on January 1. A four-star recruit and 2023 Mr. Football in Division II-AAA, Jefferson did not perform well at Alabama or Tennessee. He played just two games and four snaps in 2025. He has three seasons of eligibility remaining.

OT Lance Heard

Lance Heard, an offensive tackle, announced his plans to enter the portal on January 1. A five-star prospect, Heard started all 13 games at left tackle in 2025, allowing only two sacks in 887 snaps. He has one season of eligibility remaining.

OT Bennett Warren

Bennett Warren, another offensive tackle, announced his plans to enter the portal on January 1. A 6-foot-7, 325-pounder, Warren played 18 games over two seasons, mostly on special teams. He was a four-star recruit in the 2024 class.

WR Braylon Harmon (walk-on)

Braylon Harmon, a walk-on wide receiver, announced his plans to enter the portal on January 1. A 5-9, 185-pounder, Harmon played six games over two seasons, including a 41-yard reception against UAB in 2025. He has three seasons of eligibility remaining.

DB Colin Brazzell (walk-on)

Colin Brazzell, a walk-on defensive back, announced his plans to enter the portal on January 1. The younger brother of UT wide receiver Chris Brazzell, he played three games over two seasons. He has three seasons of eligibility remaining.

WR Tommy Winton (walk-on)

Tommy Winton, a walk-on wide receiver, announced his plans to enter the portal on January 1. A 5-10, 200-pounder, Winton had three receptions for 26 yards and played four games in the 2025 season. He has one season of eligibility remaining.

OL Max Anderson

Max Anderson, an offensive lineman, was reported to be entering the portal on December 31. A redshirt freshman, he played 15 games over two seasons, mostly on special teams. He has three seasons of eligibility remaining.

DL Herb Gray (walk-on)

Herb Gray, a walk-on defensive lineman, announced his plans to enter the portal on December 30. A 6-3, 288-pounder, he redshirted in 2024 and played two games in 2025, making a tackle-for-loss.

DL Trevor Duncan

Trevor Duncan, a defensive lineman, announced his plans to enter the portal on December 23. After retiring from football in 2025 due to medical reasons, he decided to restart his career. Duncan, a 6-6, 285-pounder, has played on both the offensive and defensive lines.

RB Peyton Lewis

Peyton Lewis, a running back, shared his intention to enter the portal on December 21. He rushed for 629 yards and 10 touchdowns in 23 games over two seasons.

QB Jake Merklinger

Jake Merklinger, a quarterback, was reported to be entering the portal on December 17. He played six games over two seasons, completing 19 of 33 passes for 221 yards and two touchdowns. He has three seasons of eligibility remaining.

DB Marcus Goree

Marcus Goree, a defensive back, announced his plans to enter the portal on December 13. A redshirt freshman, he played two games in both the 2024 and 2025 seasons, recording two tackles. He has three seasons of eligibility remaining.

LB Brenden Anes (walk-on)

Brenden Anes, a walk-on linebacker, announced his plans to enter the portal on December 10. He played 12 games in the 2025 season, mostly on special teams, and made five tackles. He has three seasons of eligibility remaining.

DE Kellen Lindstrom

Kellen Lindstrom, a defensive end, announced his plans to enter the portal on December 1. A 6-foot-5, 240-pounder, he has three seasons of eligibility remaining. He played three games in 2024 and three games in 2025, recording six tackles.

DL Jamal Wallace

Jamal Wallace, a defensive lineman, announced his plans to enter the portal on December 1. A junior college transfer, he came to Tennessee in 2024 but was plagued by injuries. He played six games in 2025, making four tackles. He has one season of eligibility remaining.

DB/PR Boo Carter

Boo Carter, a defensive back and punt returner, announced his plans to enter the portal following his dismissal from the team. In 2025, he played nine games as a backup nickelback and primary punt returner, recording 25 tackles, 4.5 tackles-for-loss, and three forced fumbles. He also returned 11 punts for 145 yards. He has three seasons of eligibility remaining.