This is just getting out of hand. Just when fans thought things couldn't get any better with the Chaz Coleman news, the Vols got another elite Penn State player. This time, it comes by way of safety Dejuan Lane, one of the top safeties in the Transfer Portal.
Lane Kiffin signs former Tennessee OL amid trying to steal Sam Leavitt away too
This now marks the fourth Penn State defender to join Tennessee in the last week. The Jim Knowles hire has paid major dividends, and he's only been in Knoxville for about a month. Fans can't wait to see what he can do schematically, but for now, they will have to settle for major recruiting wins.
Heupel's on a heater🔥 pic.twitter.com/LCON3GLsxM
— Joey Petersen (@joeypetersen8) January 10, 2026
Penn State's Dejuan Lane is now a Tennessee Vol
Getting Lane is an impressive feat. He's not some depth guy who will play on special teams. Lane is a bona fide starter who will turn around the safeties room in Knoxville.
In 2025, Lane put up solid numbers for Penn State with 24 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and a pass defended. Pro Football Focus gave him a 71 overall grade and a 70.3 coverage grade, showing he can hold his own in the secondary against good competition. Safety help was at the top of the Vols’ offseason checklist, and now Tennessee has not one, but two strong additions: Kansas State transfer Qua Moss and Lane, who’s widely considered one of the best safeties in the portal.
It's worth noting that Lane thrived in Knowles' scheme last fall, too. Tennessee now has nine transfer portal commits, six of which are on defense. Josh Heupel's plan to rebuild the defense has been nothing short of impressive.
The defense is shaping up to be a plus unit next fall, and I cannot wait.