Tennessee has done a nice job in the Transfer Portal so far, picking up 12 commitments, but it doesn't mean Josh Heupel hasn't had his fair share of heartbreaking losses along the way. The Vols have some work to do still, but the meat and potatoes of the portal class have been completed. Let's take a look at the three biggest misses so far.
1. Cam Cook (RB Louisiana)
Tennessee missing out on Cook was a painful loss. Cook led the NCAA in rushing yards last fall with 1,659 and added 16 touchdowns. Having a backfield tandem of DeSean Bishop and Cam Cook would undoubtedly be the best in the SEC. Having a Second Team All-SEC starter with a guy who led the NCAA in yards as a backup, sign me up. However, Cook decided to be the primary back in a run-heavy offense under Rich Rodriguez at West Virginia.
Tennessee still hasn't found a backup running back. Former Oklahoma and Florida State tailback Gavin Sawchuk visited and is still uncommitted. He has had a nice career and would be a realistic backup option. Ja'Kobi Jackson, a former Florida running back, also visited Knoxville and could be a Vol. Both of these additions would be suitable for Tennessee, but neither loves up the intrigue of Cam Cook.
2. Lyrik Rawls (S Kansas)
Tennessee got Rawls on campus early, as he was a top target for Jim Knowles. He was recruited by Knowles out of high school to Oklahoma State as he tried to reunite the two. Rawls is considered one of the top safeties in the Transfer portal, so missing him hurt. He had a Pro Football Focus grade of 70.1 in 2025 at Kansas.
Tennessee has, however, rebounded nicely in the safety position, landing three very solid players. Qua Moss, Dejuan Lane, and TJ Metcalf will all be excellent contributors for Tennessee. I'm confident that Tennessee still has a strong core at safety moving forward, but there’s no sugarcoating it that missing out on one of their top early targets was a tough blow.
3. Sam Leavitt (QB Arizona State)
Missing out on Sam Leavitt stands as Josh Heupel’s biggest miss of the transfer portal cycle. The former Sun Devil quarterback was widely viewed as the top player available, regardless of position. With Leavitt essentially being Heupel’s lone quarterback target, the miss stings that much more for Tennessee.
Tennessee doesn't have many options when it comes to backup plans. Ty Simpson is still realistic, but if not, the Vols will have to roll with one of the freshmen, George Macintyre or Faizon Brandon. Regardless, losing out on Leavitt is a gut punch, especially since he picked Lane Kiffin over Heupel.