Is another offensive lineman on the way for the Tennessee football team? Things sure are looking that way, as things are moving quickly for Notre Dame guard Sam Pendleton, who decided to enter the transfer portal on Wednesday.
Pendleton started seven games for the Fighting Irish in 2024, but he lost his starting job midway through the campaign and he was nowhere to be seen in the College Football Playoff games for ND against Georgia, Penn State and Ohio State.
This might prove to be good news for the Vols. According to Volquest's Austin Price, Pendleton is making his way to Knoxville on Thursday for an official visit. Not only that, but On3's Pete Nakos has also reported that Pendleton entered the portal with a 'no contact' tag. Interesting:
Tennessee set to host transfer offensive lineman Sam Pendleton starting Thursday. ⤵️⤵️⤵️https://t.co/g4rnt72gtK
— Austin Price (@AustinPriceless) January 23, 2025
Notre Dame OL transfer Sam Pendleton will reportedly visit Tennessee on Thursday
Checking in at 6-4, 310 pounds, Pendleton has the potential to be a force for his next team, with plenty of Vols fans hoping he'll indeed end up being Knoxville-bound. Pendleton has three years of eligibility remaining for his next stop.
With multiple key offensive linemen not returning next season, including Cooper Mays, the need for experience up front is crucial for Josh Heupel and his staff. Luckily, UT already made a splash for the line earlier this winter, with interior lineman Wendell Moe Jr. signing with the team.
Moe was previously a stud for Arizona, but he'll be taking his talents to Tennessee in 2025. Will the same be the case for Pendleton? The fact that he has the no contact tag in the portal and has wasted no time in scheduling a visit to meet with Heupel and his coaches feels like a very good sign. Could it lead to a commitment/signing sooner rather than later? Stay tuned, but things sure appear to be moving in that direction.