Josh Heupel and the Tennessee football program have been working their tail off when it comes to the Transfer Portal. There hasn't been much chaos yet, but I'm sure that will change. So far, the Vols have gotten a commitment from a top safety target, Qua Moss. The staff has been scheduling players to visit campus all week, so let's take a look at five players who are emerging as top targets for the Vols.
1. Xavier Gilliam, DT (Penn State)
Xavier Gilliam was just on campus, and he'd be a big get, figuratively and literally. Gilliam played at Penn State last fall under defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, where he posted 11 tackles, 2 TFLs, and half a sack as a redshirt freshman.
Tennessee needs help along the defensive line, and Gilliam would check that box immediately. He brings real upside, familiarity with the defensive scheme, and the ability to clog running lanes and hold up at the point of attack.
Getting a young, high-upside lineman never hurts.
2. Cam Cook, RB (Jacksonville State)
Cam Cook led the NCAA in rushing yards last fall. He would be a fantastic addition to go along with DeSean Bishop next season. In 2025, Cook had 1,659 rushing yards. He also finished tied for fifth in rushing touchdowns last season with 16.
If Cook ends up in Knoxville, Tennessee's rushing offense would be even more high-powered. It would also allow Bishop to take fewer hits and stay fresher when he's carrying the ball. With Peyton Lewis in the Transfer Portal, Tennessee needs a backup tailback.
If the Vols landed Cook they would have the best one, two combo in the country.
3. Tawfiq Byard, S (Colorado)
Byard is ranked as the No. 2 safety in the portal according to Saturday Blitz. If Josh Heupel can pull this off, this would be a major add. The Vols need another safety despite adding Moss a couple of days ago.
Byard does have ties to the state of Tennessee, but the competition for him will not be easy. Everyone is going to want a ball-hawking safety who can make plays in the run and in coverage.
If Byard comes to Tennessee, the safety position could move from a weakness to a strength.
Editors note: Byard committed to Texas A&M after the post was submitted, but before it was scheduled to go up.
4. Ory Williams, OT (LSU)
Tennessee has lost quite a few depth offensive linemen this portal cycle. Given that, why not add a talented young lineman from a top program? Williams will be on campus this week, and he'd be a nice addition.
Williams hasn't played much yet, but other top SEC schools are after him, like Georgia and Auburn. He was a 4-star high school prospect in the 2024 class and would give the Vols some depth and provide some upside.
Young lineman rarely crack the lineup, so their is still a lot to like with Williams.
5. Chaz Coleman, EDGE (Penn State)
Coleman is ranked as the number one edge in the portal by Saturday Blitz and rightfully so. The true freshman edge rusher had nine tackles, three TFLs, and a sack in nine games this fall.
Coleman also is familiar with Knowles scheme so he would be one step ahead of everyone else in the defensive line room. This would be a significant addition, as he is considered one of the top portal players regardless of position. Coleman is on campus this week, so hopefully the Vols can seal the deal.
If Josh Heupel can pull this off 2026 could be an exciting fall.