By Mark Pszonak
With action in the transfer portal slowing down, it is time to take a closer look at how each P4 school did during this cycle. Up now are the Tennessee Volunteers
The skinny: Similar to the 2022/2023 cycle, when 16 scholarship players entered the portal, Tennessee again had a low departure total in 2023/2024 with 13 departures. While the Vols did suffer a few notable losses during this cycle, they were also able to add several players who should make an immediate impact in 2024. Head coach Josh Heupel hopes his use of the portal will keep the Vols trending towards the top of the SEC.
Total # entries into portal: 22
Total # of scholarship players who entered portal: 13
Number of scholarship players who withdrew: 0
Key losses: DB Tamarion McDonald (Louisville), LB Elijah Herring (Memphis), DB Wesley Walker (Michigan), DL Tyler Baron (Louisville), OL Gerald Mincey (Kentucky), DB Doneiko Slaugher (Arkansas)
Key additions: OL Lance Heard (LSU), WR Chris Brazzell II (Tulane), TE Holden Staes (Notre Dame), DB Jermod McCoy (Oregon State), DB Jalen McMurray (Temple), DB Jakobe Thomas (Middle Tennessee State)
Final thoughts: While the Vols saw a few important players transfer, they also did a very good job replacing them. On the offensive line, Gerald Mincey was replaced by Lance Heard, who has the potential to be a future star and will likely start at left tackle. The secondary saw Tamarion McDonald, Wesley Walker and Doneiko Slaughter all transfer, but then they added Jermod McCoy, Jakobe Thomas and Jalen McMurray. McCoy is especially intriguing after showcasing next-level talents at Oregon State. Aside from Heard, the offense also added some explosive talent, WR Chris Brazzell II and TE Holden Staes, to further enhance the passing game. The Vols already had plenty of exciting puzzle pieces, and now they hope the additions can help them put everything together.
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