DeSean Bishop is one of the best running backs in the country. He will no doubt be the bell cow for Tennessee next fall, but the Vols need a backup out of the Transfer Portal. Star Thomas declared for the NFL Draft, and Peyton Lewis is off to the portal.
The 4 most important positions Josh Heupel must address in the transfer portal
Landing a versatile back capable of 10β12 carries per game will be crucial, giving Bishop a chance to stay fresh and maximize his impact on every touch. Plus, if Bishop were to go down, the Vols need a capable running back who can be a difference-maker.
Let's take a look at four options Josh Heupel should be looking at.
1. Cam Cook (Jacksonville State)
Cam Cook is an absolute beast. He led the NCAA in rushing yards last fall with 1,659 and was 5th in touchdowns with 16. Saturday Blitz has him ranked as the No. 5 running back in the portal.
He is set to be on campus soon, and he would be an excellent addition for Heupel. Cook is a dynamic back who can be a workhorse. He's got good enough speed to hit the home run and enough play strength to pick up the tough yards.
Cook would be the dream complement to Bishop in the backfield next fall.
Editors note: Cook has committed to West Virginia.
2. Zylan Perry (Louisiana)
Perry has already been to campus, and there is some smoke that he may commit to the Vols. Pete Nakos has logged a prediction for Perry to end up in Knoxville.
BREAKING: On3βs @PeteNakos has logged an expert prediction for πππ§π§ππ¬π¬ππ to land RB Zylan Perry from Louisiana.
β NCAA Transfer Portal π (@PortalPredict) January 5, 2026
The running back carried the ball 138 times for 689 yards and 8 TDs this season.
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He is a solid back who averaged five yards per carry in 2025. He has elite speed and foot quickness that would thrive in a backup role.
Perry could be a dangerous playmaker for Heupel's offense.
3. Makhi Frazier (Michigan State)
Frazier was a very good freshman behind a bad Michigan State offensive line in 2025.
The McKinney, Texas product averaged 4.5 yards per carry on 116 attempts. He is a powerful back who can make quick cuts and get extra yards when hit. He's not a speed guy, whereas Frazier thrives in short-yardage situations, getting the tough yards. This is a skillset the Vols could use.
Frazier is a good tailback who offers the ability to play now and be a long-term option for Tennessee.
4. Dante Dowdell (Kentucky)
Dowdell has played for Oregon, Nebraska, and, most recently, Kentucky. He has 272 career carries for 1,264 yards and 16 touchdowns.
Dowdell is another tough, gritty short-yardage back. While Bishop wears the defense down with his explosiveness, Dowdell would deliver the finishing blows in key situations. Another thing Vols fans should love is that he had a 64.6 pass blocking grade by Pro Football Focus. Having a back who can be reliable in pass protection is always a plus.
Giving Heupel a versatile weapon with experience in both the Big Ten and SEC could pay huge dividends for Tennesseeβs offense in the future.