College football insider makes prediction for Tennessee to land a transfer defender that's a perfect fit for the Vols

Notre Dame is also in the mix for Gilliam. In fact, there was some concern from Vols fans that Gilliam may be destined for South Bend since he followed through on taking his visit to Notre Dame after visiting Tennessee.

But it looks like the Vols are going to be able to hold off the Irish in this transfer battle.

Xavier Gilliam previously played for new Vols defensive coordinator Jim Knowles

Gilliam is a perfect fit for the Vols due to the fact that he played under new Tennessee defensive coordinator Jim Knowles last season at Penn State.

Knowles told reporters last August that Gilliam had been "impressive" during fall camp.

“Xavier Gilliam has been very impressive, very impressive,” said Knowles. “I think after those first two (Durant and Ford), Xavier really stands out the most.”

Former Penn State head coach James Franklin, who was fired in October after getting off to a 3-3 start, also had positive things to say about Gilliam last fall.

“He’s just super consistent, very mature,” said Franklin of Gilliam. “He’s gotten bigger, stronger, and faster. He was a D-end in high school and a basketball player; he’s a really good 305 pounds….He’s productive in the run game, he’s productive in the pass game. He’s come to work every single day, he’s football smart.”

Landing Gilliam would be a huge get for the Vols after missing on Wake Forest transfer defensive lineman Mateen Ibirogba.

Tennessee is also in the mix for Pittsburgh transfer defensive lineman Francis Brewu. The Vols could use multiple defensive linemen from the portal.

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This story was originally published by A to Z Sports on Jan 7, 2026, where it first appeared in the Nashville section. Add A to Z Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.