Every Tennessee fan knew this offseason was going to be a pivotal one for Josh Heupel, as the 2025 team took a big step back after a strong 2024. The portal was always going to be a significant part of Tennessee's turnaround, and the Vols staff killed it. Tennessee added 21 transfers, and many of them are win-now guys who can compete for starting spots right away for the Vols.
In a recent ESPN piece highlighting the best portal addition for every Top 25 team, Tennessee came in at No. 24, and its top pickup was anything but surprising. ESPN had Chaz Coleman as Tennessee's top addition, highlighting the great potential he flashed in his true freshman year at Penn State. Plus, they also noted the addition of Jim Knowles for Tennessee and how it will make his SEC transition much smoother. He is ranked No. 4 in the ESPN rankings, making him one of the best players in the nation.
Chaz Coleman could be a star for Tennessee
Many fans have high hopes for what Knowles can do in year one for Tennessee. Many of those hopes ride on having an elite pass-rusher coming off the edge next fall, and that starts with Chaz Coleman. Even with the high ranking, Coleman may need some time to fully cement himself as a star. The upside is obvious, but it’s important to remember he hasn’t logged much college football yet.
Coleman did have a stellar nine games at Penn State last fall, however. In his limited action, Coleman had a 22.1% win percentage rushing the passer and had a 90.3 pass rush grade from Pro Football Focus. These are elite numbers that put him amongst college football's best as a freshman.
ESPN makes a great point that his transition should go a lot smoother havingKnowles and a few former Penn State players on the new Vols defense. Don't be shocked if the defense has a major turnaround next fall with all the talent the Vosl have added. Plus, if Joey Aguilar can get one more year, Tennessee has a chance to make some noise in 2026.