Josh Heupel has done a great job in the Transfer Portal for Tennessee football so far. The defense has been completely overhauled with talent, and the offense filled in the gaps where it needed to. Overall, the roster is largely set, but you can never have too much depth, especially depth that’s capable of providing meaningful snaps.
Let's take a look at three more players the Vols should take a look at who would be valuable additions before the 2026 season begins.
Nick Peltekian, DB, Lehigh
Peltekian is one of the best players available in the portal. Tennessee has added plenty of defensive backs this offseason, but why not one more? The safety position left a lot to be desired last fall, and Peltekian was one of the highest graded safeties on Pro Football Focus.
Peltekian battled some injuries in 2025, but he has still performed throughout his career. As a junior in 2024, he was a First Team All-Patriot League defensive back and a Second Team All-Patriot League return specialist. Tennessee added Ian Duarte to fill the return role, but why not have a healthy competition?
Peltekian would help Tennessee in two different positions next fall, adding him would be a no brainer.
Mikah Coleman, DE, Cincinnati
Coleman is a 6-foot-4, 272-pound defensive lineman who can line up at multiple spots across the defensive line as a three- or five-technique. He would be a nice depth addition to the Tennessee defensive line next season, offering experience and the ability to contribute.
In four years of college football at Eastern Michigan and Cincinnati, he has recorded 83 tackles, 13.5 TFLs, 8.5 sacks, and three passes defended. With Tennesse losing Jordan Ross, Joshua Josephs, and Caleb Herring, they could use some more experience on the line.
Coleman has one year of eligibility remaining, and if he were to spend it in Knoxville, he’d provide valuable depth for the Vols.
Camden Byrd, EDGE, Richmond
Camden Byrd is another FCS standout that Josh Heupel should have on his radar. He posted an impressive 80.8 PFF grade in 2025 and racked up 10 sacks. The year before, Byrd added seven more sacks, further proving he has a knack for getting to the quarterback.
Byrd has one year of eligibility and could be used as a passing-downs edge rusher. Byrd is a bit undersized at 6-foot-3, 245 pounds, but if he's used correctly, he can still be effective.
Heupel would be wise to take a close look at Byrd. Production like this isn’t easy to find or replicate.