Tennessee fans have had a real love-hate relationship with the transfer portal so far. On one hand, the Vols have absolutely raided Penn State’s defense. On the other hand, Josh Heupel has also been spurned by a few key targets along the way. All things considered, it’s been a successful portal cycle, but it definitely hasn’t come without some bad juju mixed in.
Josh Heupel’s plan at Tennessee reportedly excludes a top transfer portal QB
Tennessee has made it clear this offseason that the transfer portal is a major priority. The Vols are fully embracing the rebuild, now up to 13 portal commits after Josh Heupel added two more pieces to the roster this morning.
Tennessee picked up TJ Metcalf last week, a safety from Michigan, and adding him has also brought in his brother, Tevis.
BREAKING: Michigan transfer CB Tevis Metcalf has committed Tennessee, @Hayesfawcett3 reports🍊https://t.co/MErV3Zy2hM pic.twitter.com/01lCANnh8h
— Transfer Portal (@TransferPortal) January 17, 2026
But wait, there's more. Tennessee has needed help on the offensive line, and they have now addressed that. The Vols picked up West Virginia transfer Donovan Haslam on Saturday morning, too.
Committed. 🍊
— Donovan Haslam (@DonovanHaslam63) January 17, 2026
100% locked in. Proud to announce my commitment to the University of Tennessee.
Let’s work. #GBO #Vols #RockyTop pic.twitter.com/PXhF5miXtB
Tennessee adds Tevis Metcalf and Donovan Haslam
Tevis Metcalf is expected to be more of a depth piece. His brother, TJ, will start for the Vols or at least be a big contributor. Tevis has only recorded five career tackles, but he still has potential. This is a low-risk, high-reward add for Jim Knowles and Josh Heupel.
Donovan Haslam is a massive 6-foot-3, 346-pound offensive guard. He played 444 snaps for West Virginia last fall and registered a 74.7 pass blocking grade on Pro Football Focus. He allowed zero sacks and four hurries in nearly 200 pass block reps last fall, showing just how steady and reliable he can be against high-major competition.
Adding two more players, especially a starting-caliber offensive lineman, is big news for the Vols. Tennessee now has the No. 21 ranked transfer portal class on 247Sports.
