Tennessee Football Transfer Portal Tracker: Who’s Leaving the Vols from the 2024 Team
The transfer portal has become a defining feature of modern college football, reshaping rosters and offering players new opportunities. For the Tennessee Volunteers, the 2024 offseason has already seen notable activity in the portal, as players evaluate their roles, development, and future prospects within the program. Head coach Josh Heupel and his staff are tasked with managing departures while strategically adding talent to fill gaps and maintain Tennessee’s competitive edge.
Here’s an in-depth look at the key players leaving the Vols through the transfer portal, the reasons behind their decisions, and what it means for Tennessee moving forward.
While Joe Milton’s eligibility officially ends after the 2023 season, his decision to enter the portal and seek graduate transfer opportunities raised eyebrows. Milton was a starter for much of the 2023 season but faced increasing competition from freshman phenom Nico Iamaleava. With Iamaleava expected to take over as Tennessee’s quarterback in 2024, Milton may be looking for one last chance to start at a program that can utilize his strong arm and veteran experience.
Sampson, a key contributor in the backfield, surprised fans by entering the portal after a productive 2023 campaign. The sophomore running back totaled over 700 rushing yards and added versatility as a receiver out of the backfield. However, the emergence of fellow backs Jaylen Wright and Jabari Small limited Sampson’s touches, prompting his search for a larger role elsewhere.
A transfer addition from BYU for the 2023 season, Pili made an impact on Tennessee’s defense with his leadership and tackling ability. However, injuries limited his availability, and younger linebackers like Arion Carter and Elijah Herring stepped up in his absence. Pili’s decision to enter the portal could be driven by a desire for consistent playing time as he looks to make one final push toward an NFL career.
The 6’5”, 320-pound redshirt sophomore had been a promising depth piece for Tennessee’s offensive line but struggled to crack the starting lineup. With the Vols adding highly-rated recruits in the 2024 class and transfers expected to bolster the line, Parker’s decision to transfer signals his intent to find a program where he can secure a starting role.
Williams, a standout return specialist, contributed significantly on special teams but found limited opportunities in the defensive backfield. With Tennessee prioritizing defensive backfield depth in recruiting, Williams may have felt his path to a starting defensive role was blocked. His departure leaves a gap in the return game, one that the Vols will need to address.
The transfer portal has provided players with greater freedom to control their careers, and for those leaving Tennessee, the reasons are varied:
- Competition for Playing Time: With Tennessee’s roster loaded with young talent, several players are seeking programs where they can play more prominent roles.
- Scheme Fit: Some players may feel their skills are better suited to different offensive or defensive schemes.
- Development Opportunities: Players like Joe Milton may view a change of scenery as a chance to refine their skills and boost their professional prospects.
While the departures create gaps in Tennessee’s roster, they also open opportunities for younger players and incoming transfers to step up. Head coach Josh Heupel has shown an ability to adapt to roster turnover, leveraging the portal to bring in experienced talent that fits his system.
The Vols’ 2024 recruiting class, ranked among the top 10 nationally, will help address some of these losses. Tennessee is also expected to be active in the portal, targeting needs in the secondary, offensive line, and running back position
The transfer portal is a two-way street, and while Tennessee will miss the contributions of those leaving, it’s also an opportunity to reload and recalibrate. As the Vols aim to build on a successful 2023 campaign, the program’s ability to retain talent, attract impact transfers, and develop young players will be critical to maintaining momentum.
The departures of key players are always a challenge, but under Josh Heupel’s leadership, Tennessee remains well-positioned to adapt and compete at the highest level in 2024. The transfer portal era has brought new complexities to college football, but it has also created opportunities for teams like Tennessee to continue evolving and thriving.