Tennessee football has plenty of gaps to fill on the defensive side of the ball. Josh Heupel will have to replace his whole starting defensive line, a unit that was up and down last fall. Not only does Heupel have to recruit players, but he also has to find a new defensive coordinator. Getting the right hire will be crucial as the transfer portal opens very soon.
From a purely football standpoint, the game is won at the line of scrimmage. Yes, it takes all eleven guys working as a cohesive unit, but the big boys up front play the most vital role. With all the departures, Heupel needs to start evaluating who his future defensive linemen will be.
A player that Tennessee needs to make a priority in January is defensive end Adam Trick. Pete Thamel of ESPN has reported on X that Trick intends to enter the transfer portal.
Miami University star defensive end Adam Trick intends to enter the NCAA transfer portal, he tells ESPN. Trick projects as one of the top edge rushers in the portal, as he finished the year with 8.5 sacks, including 2.0 against Wisconsin. pic.twitter.com/ilAcHEkXFB
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) December 10, 2025
Adam Trick needs to be a Tennessee football priority
What’s obvious is that Miami (Ohio)'s Adam Trick will be a highly coveted player when the portal officially opens. Trick registered 59 tackles, 12.5 TFLs, 8.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and an interception. The surprising part is that he didn't just tear up the MAC. Against Wisconsin and Rutgers, Trick still showed up.
To go a step further, Trick had a Pro Football Focus grade of 91.9, which is considered an elite score. With all of the movement when the portal opens, Heupel needs to make Trick one of his first calls because he could be gone in a flash.
It’s worth remembering that Defensive line coach Rodney Garner needs some new pieces, as Dominic Bailey, Bryson Eason, Jaxson Moi, and Joshua Josephs are all expected to be gone. Trick would be a day one guy on a potential College Football Playoff contender like Tennessee, and get to learn from a veteran defensive line coach in Garner.
The development of edge James Pierce Jr. should be a major point of emphasis in this recruitment. Trick could be the next great Vols lineman to make it to the NFL.
When it's all said and done, Trick would be the perfect fit for the Vols next fall.