Quietly, the Tennessee Vols ended up losing 25 total players via the transfer portal for 2025, which is a bit of a shocker. By now, everyone knows that quarterback Nico Iamaleava has decided to play for the UCLA Bruins, claiming the offensive fit in Knoxville didn't suit him. Alrighty then.
However, it wasn't just Iamaleava's departure that's going to have a negative impact on this team moving forward. There are some massive holds to fill for this team. In this piece, we've got our three biggest portal losses that will impact Josh Heupel and Co., while also featuring multiple great additions.
Nico Iamaleava is the main loss for the Vols in the transfer portal
We hate to say it, but yes, losing Nico is going to be an issue for the Vols in 2025. With him now with UCLA, ESPN dropped the Vols off of their preseason Top 25 list that recently dropped. The hope is that the other guys on the team can step up without him making plays all over the field, but replacing the former 5-star signee is not going to be easy for Heupel.
Jakobe Thomas leaving Tennessee to sign with Miami still stings
This is a move that just doesn't make a ton of sense to us. Jakobe Thomas, a Tennessee product, spent only one season in Knoxville before deciding to enter the transfer portal. He was expected to push for a starting job with the SEC side too. Instead, he entered the portal and has put the pen to paper with the Miami Hurricanes. Something tells us NIL had something to do with his decision, but it's a key loss regardless.
WR Squirrel White is off to Florida State after playing for Tennessee
It happened so long ago that you might have forgotten about it, but losing Squirrel White was not ideal for the Vols. He was going to be a veteran leader for the Tennessee WRs room in 2025, but he's also off to the sunshine in Florida, getting ready to suit up for Florida State. Last season for the Vols, the speedster posted 34 receptions for 381 yards and two touchdowns.
Tennessee fans continue to believe in new QB Joey Aguilar
As for the biggest additions? We're getting things started with Joey Aguilar, who has traded spots with Iamaleava, moving to UT after previously signing with UCLA. All signs are pointing to Aguilar winning the QB1 job after two strong seasons with App State. His experience was needed and he has the potential to become a cult hero for Tennessee.
OGs Wendell Moe and Sam Pendleton will be huge for UT this season
We're cheating a little bit here, giving our last spot to both Wendell Moe and Sam Pendleton. We're doing so for good reason. Moe is expected to start at left guard, while Pendleton should be the right guard. Moe was a stud for Arizona, while Pendleton played in more of a reserve role at Notre Dame.
Pendleton is also going to be working right next to 5-star OT David Sanders Jr., who will make a ton of noise as a true freshman. There will also be some growing pains, though, so look for Pendleton to be an on-field mentor for the youngster.