After a rough Monday, Tennessee looks to get back on track by adding some more players via the Transfer Portal. A major offseason need has been the safety position. The 2025 group left a lot to be desired, struggling in run support and offering only mediocre play in the passing game.
Jim Knowles has made it his mission to add some talented bodies to the secondary, and he's done just that. Qua Moss from Kansas State will provide some versatility, being able to line up all around the defense. Dejuan Lane, a former Penn State safety, knows the scheme playing under Knowles and is a big, athletic safety who can cover in space.
Tennessee reportedly has another solid addition to its group, as Pete Nakos of On3 reports that former Michigan Wolverine TJ Metcalf has signed with Tennessee.
BREAKING: Michigan starting safety TJ Metcalf has signed with Tennessee, @PeteNakos reports🍊https://t.co/v31cyVxTBj pic.twitter.com/JxUOrwSKm5
— Transfer Portal (@TransferPortal) January 13, 2026
Safety TJ Metcalf is now a Tennessee Vol
You can't deny how well Jim Knowles has done this offseason in just a short amount of time. He's addressed one of the defense's main issues with three starting-caliber players, and the Vols bring back veteran Edrees Farooq.
The safety group can go from a weakness to a strength, and the Metcalf addition reinforces that. The 6'1, 200-pound safety is uber-physical and can play nickel or slide down into the box. He will help immensely in the support for Tennessee in the secondary support. I love the physicality and play strength Metcalf brings to the table.
Metcalf had 58 tackles, four passes defended, and an interception last year on a strong Michigan defense. He also knows what it takes to play in the SEC, as he began his career playing for Arkansas. Pro Football Focus graded him a 70.6 run defender and a 66.4 overall in 2025. It’s always a win when you can pull a quality player from a strong defense. Metcalf should give Tennessee’s defense an immediate boost, and there’s little doubt he’ll make his presence felt in Knoxville.
This now marks the 12th Tranfer Portal commit for Tennessee, as nine of them have come on defense. Josh Heupel knows the defense is lagging behind and that the Vols need to field a competitive unit next fall to compete for a national title.