The transfer portal officially opened on Monday, Dec. 4. Since then, it has been chaos. Tennessee football has had several players enter already as well.
The portal will stay open until Jan. 2. Players don’t have to choose a new school by Jan. 2, but they have to enter the portal during the window.
Here’s a look at who is leaving Tennessee football via the portal, who the Vols have picked up in the portal and a look at the notable returners who are forgoing the NFL.
Vols who have entered the portal
Defensive back Tamarion McDonald
Tamarion McDonald stated 10 games at the STAR position for Tenessee in 2023. He finishing fifth on the Vols’ defense with 40 tackles. He also has an interception in 2023.
He totaled four interceptions and 116 tackles during his four years as a Vol. He was a four-star prospect in the 2019 class.
McDonald’s expected transfer was first reported by 247Sports.
Defensive back De’Shawn Rucker
De’Shawn Rucker joins a slew of defensive backs in the transfer portal for Tennessee. He announced his decision on social media on Dec. 11.
Rucker mainly played on special teams and on defensive reserves. He had 13 tackles during his Tennessee career.
Defensive back Doneiko Slaughter
Reported first by 247Sports, defensive back Donieko Slaughter is expected to enter the transfer portal.
Update: Slaughter confirmed he was entering the portal on Sunday, Dec. 10.
Slaughter was expected to be a major contributor for Tennessee this season, but a nagging foot injury slowed him down. He finishes his Tennessee career with 87 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, six pass breakups and an interception in 43 games. He was a member of the 2020 recruiting class and has one year of eligibility remaining.
Edge rusher Tyler Baron
Tyler Baron, off one of his best seasons at Tennessee, has entered the transfer portal per 247Sports.
The edge rusher had 10.5 tackles for loss and six sacks in 2023. He has one year of eligiblity remaining, but he could also still enter the NFL Draft. Baron was a highly-ranked prospect out of Knoxville Catholic High School.
Offensive lineman Addison Nichols
Addison Nichols announced his intentions to enter the transfer portal via social media on Monday night.
The 6-foot-5, 327-pound offense lineman struggled to find a spot for the Vols. He played in two games in 2022 and 12 games in 2023 but mostly on special teams.
Even amidst the injury shuffle on the offensive line, Nichols couldn’t crack the starting lineup. He likely projects as a guard.
Defensive back Brandon Turnage
Brandon Turnage enters the portal looking for his third school. He played at Alabama before becoming a Vol. He will also only have one year of eligibility.
Turnage has started six games at Tennessee while playing in 31. He registered nine tackles this season.
Safety Jack Luttrell
Jack Luttrell played in three games during his freshman year in 2023. He was the first commitment in the Vols’ 2023 class. The 6-foot, 180-pound safety has three years of eligibility remaining.
Defensive back Warren Burrell
Warren Burrell played in 41 games with 22 starts over five years at Tennessee. He recorded eight tackles and an interception during 10 games this season.
The 6-foot, 190-pound defensive back has just a year of eligibility remaining.
Update: Burrell announced he was transferring to Georgia Tech.
Offensive lineman Mo Clipper Jr.
Mo Clipper Jr. announced his intention to enter the portal on Friday afternoon. He played in three games over two seasons for the Vols, mostly at guard and on special teams.
Notable returners
Defensive lineman Omari Thomas
Omari Thomas announced his return via social media. He started 10 games for Tennessee in 2023, racking up 31 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, a sack and a blocked kick.
The 6-foot-4, 320-pounder could have tested the NFL Draft waters this year, but has opted for another year of development. He has played in 47 games as a Vol. Thomas was key to leading Tennessee’s run defense.
Offensive lineman John Campbell Jr.
John Campbell Jr. announced his intentions to return on social media on Monday night. The 6-foot-3, 320-pound transfer will be the rare seventh-year senior.
He started nine games for the Vols in 2023 before dealing with injury. He adds crucial depth to the offensive line.
Linebacker Keenan Pili
Linebacker Keenan Pili is expected to use a medical redshirt and return to Tennessee for a final season, 247Sports reported.
Pili, at 6-foot-3 and 240 pounds, represents the stereotypical Mike linebacker. He only played against Virginia before suffering a season-ending injury. The Vols missed his presence in the middle of the defense.
Wright announced his intentions to enter the NFL draft via social media. A UT spokesperson confirmed that Wright will not participate in the Citrus Bowl.
Wright finishes his career 13th in Tennessee career rushing yardage, and he posted the 19th 1,000-yard rushing season in program history.
Leave a Reply