On a day of announcements for incoming transfers, Tennessee football was hit with a shocking outgoing transfer as well, one that will leave them shorthanded at a position already of need.
Juwan Mitchell has entered the transfer portal, per multiple reports. Mitchell leaves behind what was likely a starting spot.
A rotational linebacker throughout the year, Mitchell would start in place of Jeremy Banks when he was absent. With Banks on the way out, it was assumed Mitchell would take his spot.
Mitchell at least looked like at least a candidate to start alongside Aaron Beasley in 2023. In all likelihood, both would have held the two starting roles next year.
In 2022, Mitchell had 43 tackles and an interception. He had eight starts over 13 games at Tennessee.
This isn’t the first time Mitchell has transferred. He transferred to Tennessee football from Texas after leading the Longhorns in tackles in 2020.
Last year, Mitchell suffered a season-ending injury early on. He returned this year and took a while to get going but managed to become a major impact player.
Mitchell’s news to transfer comes three weeks after Kennan Pilli, an All-Independent linebacker from BYU, announced he was transferring to Tennessee football. The Vols also return Kalib Perry and Elijah Herring.
The Vols also bring in Jalen Smith and Arion Carter from high school. As a result, they do have more bodies at the position this year. However, Mitchell was one of the only proven players, so it was assumed he’d be a bit part of the unit next year.
Mitchell is the 10th Tennessee player to enter the transfer portal. He is also one of the only players to enter the transfer portal after playing significant time in 2022. Without him, it’s likely that Pili and Beasley are the favorites to start right now next year, but that’s fluid.
