Tennessee Football: Which Vols Hit The Portal?
The landscape of college football is constantly evolving, and one of the most notable changes in recent years has been the rise of the transfer portal. This allows athletes to move between programs more freely, either to find a better fit, increase their playing time, or seek new challenges. For Tennessee Volunteers football, the 2023 season was no exception as several key players entered the portal, signaling shifts in both personnel and strategy. This article takes a closer look at the players from Tennessee who hit the portal, their impact on the team, and what it means for the future of Volunteers football.
Tennessee football, under head coach Josh Heupel, has made significant strides in recent years, both in terms of on-field performance and recruiting. Heupel’s fast-paced offensive system and emphasis on developing players have helped elevate Tennessee into one of the top programs in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). However, the team’s success has also had its consequences. As Tennessee rises to prominence, the level of competition for starting roles grows, leading some players to explore other options.
The transfer portal has allowed these players to seek opportunities elsewhere, either at programs where they may receive more playing time or those that align more closely with their future aspirations. For Tennessee, the exodus of players via the portal is a reminder that while success on the field is important, maintaining a healthy and happy roster is just as crucial.
Several prominent Tennessee football players entered the transfer portal following the 2023 season. While some departures were expected, others were more surprising, reflecting the competitive nature of the team.
- Joe Milton (Quarterback)
One of the most notable names to enter the portal was quarterback Joe Milton. Milton, who started in several games for the Vols during the 2023 season, entered the portal after losing the starting job to sophomore Nico Iamaleava. Milton, a talented but inconsistent quarterback, had shown flashes of brilliance but struggled with decision-making and accuracy at times. His decision to enter the portal was likely influenced by the fact that Tennessee’s future under Heupel looks to be with Iamaleava, a highly touted freshman with a bright future. While Milton will likely find a home at another Power Five school, his departure leaves Tennessee with a need for additional depth at quarterback. - Jalin Hyatt (Wide Receiver)
Another key departure was wide receiver Jalin Hyatt, one of Tennessee’s top playmakers in the 2023 season. Hyatt had a standout year, with over 1,200 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns, earning him All-SEC honors. However, Hyatt’s decision to enter the portal may have been motivated by a desire to further develop his skills at a program with a more established quarterback or offensive system. Hyatt’s departure leaves a void in Tennessee’s receiving corps, but it also provides an opportunity for other receivers to step up and claim a bigger role. - Javontez Spraggins (Offensive Lineman)
Offensive line depth has been a point of concern for Tennessee in recent years, and the loss of Javontez Spraggins is a significant blow. Spraggins, who was a starting guard for the Vols, was part of a talented offensive line unit that helped pave the way for Tennessee’s potent offense. With his departure, the Vols will need to find replacements, either from the incoming recruiting class or from players already on the roster. The offensive line is one of the most critical units for Heupel’s high-powered offense, and replacing Spraggins will be a challenge. - Brandon Turnage (Defensive Back)
On the defensive side of the ball, cornerback Brandon Turnage decided to hit the portal. Turnage had been a key part of Tennessee’s secondary, but with increased competition for starting roles and the emergence of younger players, his playing time had diminished. His decision to leave allows Tennessee’s coaching staff to focus on developing the next wave of defensive backs who will be crucial for the team’s success moving forward. - Tiyon Evans (Running Back)
Tiyon Evans was another notable transfer, leaving the Vols’ running back room after seeing limited playing time in 2023. Evans, who had been expected to be a key contributor in Tennessee’s backfield, found himself overshadowed by the emergence of other backs, including Jaylen Wright and Jabari Small. Evans’ exit opens up opportunities for other running backs to take on a larger role in the offense.
The departure of these players from the Tennessee football program, while significant, should not be seen as a sign of regression for the Vols. Heupel’s offense is built on depth, competition, and the ability to develop talent, and the transfer portal is an opportunity to reshape the roster. With several key contributors departing, Tennessee will need to rely on younger players and incoming recruits to fill these roles.
The Vols’ coaching staff has already begun to address these gaps through recruiting. With the 2024 class shaping up to be strong, especially at key positions like quarterback and wide receiver, the future of Tennessee football remains bright. Players like Nico Iamaleava, who is expected to take over the starting quarterback role, will play a pivotal role in shaping the team’s success.
Additionally, Tennessee’s ability to add talent through the transfer portal could also help mitigate the losses of key players. The portal offers Heupel and his staff the chance to bolster positions of need with experienced players who can contribute immediately. Tennessee’s success in the transfer portal could help them continue their upward trajectory in the SEC.
The transfer portal has become an integral part of the college football landscape, and Tennessee football is no exception. The departures of several key players after the 2023 season highlight the competitive nature of the program, as well as the opportunities that the portal provides. While the losses are significant, they also present opportunities for other players to emerge and make an impact. With a strong recruiting class and a focus on player development, Tennessee football is well-positioned for continued success in the future, despite the challenges that come with player movement in the transfer portal.