The defensive line in Knoxville has been hit hard by attrition, as Tennessee has lost a significant number of players across the position since the portal opened. Joshua Josephs is off to the NFL Draft after putting up a stellar 2025. Two guys are expected to compete for his job at LEO, Caleb Herring and Jordan Ross, both of whom entered the Transfer Portal.
Tennessee football avoids transfer portal nightmare by re-signing standout playmaker
One of the main priorities for Josh Heupel and defensive coordinator Jim Knowles moving forward is to add difference-makers across the defensive line. The middle of the defense struggled in 2025. The Vols ranked 76th in the NCAA in rushing yards allowed per game.
Josh Heupel has been hard at work trying to fix this. Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports has reported that James Smith and Qua Russaw, two former Alabama linemen, will be on Tennessee's campus soon.
Former Alabama defensive lineman James Smith and ex-Bama edge rusher Qua Russaw, two of the top ranked defensive players in the transfer portal, plan to visit Ohio State, Missouri, Georgia, Tennessee and LSU, sources tell @CBSSports.
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) January 7, 2026
Other teams working to get involved as well. pic.twitter.com/Fdkp4QJC9H
James Smith and Qua Russaw will be in Knoxville soon
Vols fans have to be excited about this one. Not only is Tennessee potentially poaching talent from rival Alabama, but they’re also bringing in two guys who could make an immediate impact next season. Moves like this are exactly what get fans pumped up about what’s ahead in 2026.
It won't come easy, though, as the Vols have to beat out Georgia, LSU, Ohio State, and Missouri. These are the types of recruitments that are needed, though. I'm a firm believer that if the top programs aren’t chasing the same players you are, they probably won’t be the kind of athletes who can help you compete for championships.
James Smith is a giant run-clogging defensive tackle who can occupy space. This is the exact archetype that Tennessee needs in the middle. Smith had 28 tackles, 6.5 TFLs, and 2.5 as a junior this fall for the Crimson Tide.
Russaw is being recruited to play the role of LEO. He racked up 36 tackles, two interceptions, and a sack as a true freshman in 2024. Last season, in nine games, he took a step back with injuries, but Rissaw still flashed the type of game-changing talent Tennessee needs. Pro Football Focus graded him a 67.4 in 2025.
Getting both of these talented linemen on campus is a massive boost to Vols fans' confidence. Josh Heupel needs to get across the finish line.