TENNESSEE’S TOP PLAYER HAS FINALLY RETURNED FOR THE.

The news on Tuesday that senior linebacker Keenan Pili would be playing one more season gave Tennessee a major boost. In the season’s opening game against Virginia, Pili—who transferred in from BYU last offseason—was hurt. Though he was unable to come back, he now has another opportunity.

By season’s end, Tennessee’s depth at linebacker was suffering. The Vols lost outstanding freshman Arion Carter in addition to Pili. Against Missouri and Georgia, the linebacker position was clearly problematic.

Prior to the UConn game last month, Heupel stated, “Keenan’s not ready to go in this one.” Thus, we’ll keep an eye on his development and his capacity to return to the field here towards the end of the year. Keenan has a ton of excellent football left in him. He must decide what is in his and his family’s best interests.

With Pili back, Tennessee has a seasoned player in charge of the linebacker room. Carter, Elijah Herring, and Jeremiah Telander will all return. Prospects Jordan Burns and Edwin Spillman will also be added to the depth chart.

Pili was given credit for 62 tackles for BYU in 2022. Before suffering an injury in the season opener against Virginia, the 6-3, 240-pound senior had four tackles.

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The transfer portal is now formally open for business as of Monday, December 4. With players now free to explore their options, the next few weeks are sure to be wild. The portal’s popularity has skyrocketed since NIL money was introduced, radically changing the college football landscape every offseason.

As things move quickly, let’s attempt to monitor each move listed below. We’ll have all of Tennessee’s offers and departures as well as some information about the most well-known figures from across the nation that are visiting the portal.

IOL Addison Nichols logs onto the portal for transfers. Despite receiving his first-ever start against Vanderbilt at the end of the season, the once four-star prospect was unable to avoid the portal. Heupel’s first major recruit on the recruiting trail was Nichols.
UConn TE Justin Joly is offered by Tennessee. Ever since Joly had eight catches for 89 yards against the Volunteers last month, this has been a fan-favorite possible target. With the departure of McCallan Castles and Jacob Warren, Tennessee has a severe need at tight end.

QB Dillon Gabriel of Oklahoma will access the transfer portal.
Jack Luttrell, a rookie safety, has logged into the transfer portal. As a three-star prospect out of Georgia last year, Luttrell signed a contract with Tennessee.
Brandon Turnage, a seasoned cornerback, will not play COVID in Tennessee. Turnage came from Alabama a few years ago, but he was never able to secure consistent playing time.

DT at Texas A&M On Sunday night, Walter Nolen logged into the transfer portal. The former five-star prospect and Knoxville product have lived up to the hype at the collegiate level, and the portal should see a significant increase in demand. Every elite program is likely to try to enter this competition. Is Tennessee able to persuade him to return home?