The Transfer Portal might be slowing down and starting to wrap up for most teams, but don't sleep on the Vols just yet. Tennessee is already sitting on a solid haul of portal players, with 18 commitments, and with the addition of three more over the weekend, Josh Heupel has now brought in 21 new Vols.
Where every Tennessee football transfer landed after leaving the program
After losing Gavin Freeman to Baylor, Tennessee needed to add another receiver and kick return guy, and they did with Idaho State's Ian Duarte. In 2025, Duarte racked up 521 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns. Plus, he can return kicks, adding 242 kick return yards and 113 punt return yards.
Duarte is a smaller wide receiver at 5-foot-10, but he comes with good speed. He projects as a depth slot wideout, but don't sleep on his game. Duarte can still ball.
Welcome to Rocky Top, Ian Duarte🍊 pic.twitter.com/rcBe6PXFn0
— Rocky Top (@Rockytop) January 25, 2026
Next, Tennessee added UT Martin tight end Drake Martinez. For the Skyhawks last fall, Martinez brought in 18 passes for 124 yards and a touchdown. He has one more year of eligibility left and will provide solid depth behind Ethan Davis, who is expected to be the starter next fall.
Finally, Tennessee brought in former Miami Hurricane Jadais Richard. He started his career at Vanderbilt before transferring to Miami. In his four years of college football, Richard has 52 tackles, three TFLs, five passes defended, and an interception. Once again, Richard isn't expected to start over Ty Redmond or Kayin Lee, but he does provide another veteran body in case of an injury
Is Tennessee done in the portal?
With these final additions, Tennessee is likely finished in the Transfer Portal. Could they still pick up a player or two? Absolutely. But the core of the class is in place. The Vols have completely reshaped their defense, bringing in 12 new players, most of whom are ready to contribute immediately.
Defensive lineman Chaz Coleman and Xavier Gilliam are the two highlights of the class, as they are expected to transform Tennessee's game in the trenches.