Josh Heupel has got the ball rolling with a portal commit, but he needs to build off that momentum and parlay that into more. The Vols have been off to a slower start than most, although there is no need to panic. Pretty much all of Tennessee's top targets are still available.
5 early Transfer Portal targets emerging for Tennessee football
On Tuesday, Tennessee will host two top transfer portal players on the defensive side of the ball. Steve Wiltfong and Eric Cain of On3 have reported that Kansas safety Lyrik Rawls and Miami OH LEO Adam Trick will both be on campus.
Tennessee Football is set to host two defensive transfers on Tuesday, per @_Cainer and @SWiltfong_
— FOX Sports Knoxville (@FOXSportsKnox) January 6, 2026
Former Kansas and Oklahoma State Safety Lyrik Rawls and Miami Ohio LEO Adam Trick are both expected to be on visits today.
Rawls, originally from Marshall, Texas, set… pic.twitter.com/C4jbuANB1V
Tennessee hosts a pair of studs on Tuesday
Saturday Blitz has Adam Trick Ranked as the No. 4 edge rusher in the portal. Tennessee already hosted top-ranked edge rusher Chaz Coleman on campus, making it clear that Rodney Garner and Josh Heupel are prioritizing a stronger pass rush heading into next fall.
In 2025, Trick registered 59 tackles, 12.5 TFLs, 8.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and an interception. He’s one of the most coveted players in the portal this cycle. Trick would be an instant-impact addition in Knoxville and could immediately elevate the Vols’ pass rush.
Lyrik Rawls is listed in Saturday Blitz's safety rankings as the No. 13 safety in the portal. Rawls will be a 5th year senior next fall. In 2025, for the Jayhawks, he posted 72 tackles, seven passes defended, and an interception. Plus, he can lay the boom stick, too!
Kansas safety Lyrik Rawls is set to visit Tennessee today. Take a look at this hit he delivered. pic.twitter.com/vmeLms29x3
— Tennessee Volunteers on SI (@VolsOnSI) January 6, 2026
Rawls would be a solid addition to the defense. He is a veteran guy who was recruited to play at Oklahoma State when Jim Knowles was there. Rawls would add stability to the safety room and bring 29 games of Power Four experience. He had a 70.8 coverage grade by Pro Football Focus, and we already saw he can play as a physical tackler.
Getting one of Trick or Rawls would be a significant boost to the Tennessee defense, but there is a chance they can land both. Josh Heupel has a lot to sell in Knoxville. he has to get it across the finish line.