We had seen plenty of Tennessee Vols players enter the transfer portal and find new homes, but did anyone expect more guys to decide they want to leave so soon after the loss to the Buckeyes? A new name has been added to the list, which is unfortunate news for head coach Josh Heupel.
On Sunday night, Hayes Fawcett broke the news that defensive back Christian Harrison will indeed be entering the portal. This update has dropped less than 24 hours after Tennessee's campaign came to a close due to the loss in the College Football Playoff first round to Ohio State.
BREAKING: Tennessee DB Christian Harrison plans to enter the Transfer Portal, he tells @on3sports
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) December 22, 2024
The 6’0 190 DB totaled 31 Tackles, 3 TFL, 1 Sack, & 1 PD in his time with the Vols
Started 5 games this season
2 years of eligibility https://t.co/RlUbB6EMhS pic.twitter.com/gJUV2wAim2
Tennessee DB Christian Harrison has decided he'll enter the transfer portal
Harrison will have two years of eligibility remaining and the expectation is it won't take long for him to find a new squad. Harrison started five games for Heupel and defensive coordinator Tim Banks in 2024. In total, he appeared in 12 games this campaign, recording 20 total tackles, one pass deflection and 0.5 sacks.
This is a pretty big blow for the secondary moving forward. Also, Heupel couldn't even put his feet up after getting home from Columbus to relax a little before this dropped? It's got to be pretty frustrating for him as well.
Before the showdown in the CFP against Ohio State, Heupel said no one that was planning on transferring was going to suit up and play against the Buckeyes. The day after the loss, though, Harrison all of a sudden decided he didn't want to play for the Vols anymore?
It's a bit of a coincidence if you ask us. Look for Heupel to look at the portal himself to bring in some defensive back help. Losing Harrison like this sure stings, and it's no question something not many people were expecting.