Tennessee and Josh Heupel among the finalists for veteran LSU DL in the portal

Will Heupel and Co. land the veteran defensive lineman?

Sep 21, 2024; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA;  LSU Tigers defensive tackle Jay'viar Suggs (31) evades UCLA Bruins offensive lineman Spencer Holstege (74) to sack quarterback Ethan Garbers (4) during the second half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Sep 21, 2024; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers defensive tackle Jay'viar Suggs (31) evades UCLA Bruins offensive lineman Spencer Holstege (74) to sack quarterback Ethan Garbers (4) during the second half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images | Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

We are still waiting for the Tennessee Vols football team to land their first commitment from the transfer portal. Could some good news be coming soon for the team and head coach Josh Heupel ahead of the College Football Playoff showdown with Ohio State?

We hope so. Over the weekend, it was reported that veteran LSU defensive lineman Jay'viar Suggs was taking an official visit to Knoxville to meet with Heupel and Co. In some more good news for the team, the Vols are among the finalists to land his services.

Suggs took to social media that he has been thankful for the recruiting attention he has picked up, but he is now down to seven schools. It's a battle between Tennessee, Wisconsin, Kentucky, Arkansas, Penn State, Oklahoma and Michigan.

LSU DL Jay'viar Suggs took an official visit to meet with the Tennessee Vols

Suggs has one more season of eligibility left and he's now trying to find out where he'll be closing out his college career. Originally, he signed with Division II Grand Valley State out of high school. Then, he joined LSU last spring and played in one campaign for Brian Kelly and the Tigers.

The 6-3, 295 pounder finished with 10 tackles and 2.5 sacks. While Heupel's main focus is on trying to take down Ohio State this weekend, he also wants to make sure this team is in good shape for 2025 too, as another CFP run should be on the way.

Soon enough, we'll find out if Suggs ends up committing to Tennessee or not. Yes, there's some stiff competition for the Vols to land him, but depending on how his official visit went, it could end up helping send Heupel and UT over the top of the other programs. Suggs' recruitment will be one to follow closely over the next few days.

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