It has been a big day for college football news. ESPN’s Chris Low reported that Alabama head coach Nick Savan is retiring after winning seven national championships. That affects Tennessee Football in a huge way.
Alabama players are allowed to enter the transfer portal for the next 30 days. Who are some guys the Vols could go after with Saban’s retirement? How does it affect UT currently on the trail?
Here’s a look at some things to watch out for.
Current Crimson Tide players
Justin Jefferson, LB
Not the NFL wide receiver, but Justin Jefferson the Alabama linebacker. The junior from Memphis mainly saw time on special teams and totaling just four tackles.
Jefferson was a four-star prospect out of JUCO, and the No. 2 overall JUCO prospect by 247Sports. He was recruited from Pearl River CC by Brian Jean-Mary and held a Tennessee offer.
Ty Lockwood, TE
Out of Independence High School in Tennessee, upcoming sophomore tight end Ty Lockwood could be a name to watch for Tennessee Football.
The Vols need depth at the tight end position, and Lockwood’s ties to the state could make him an option. Lockwood was a four-star out of high school in the 2023 class with an offer from Tennessee.
Current signees
Amari Jefferson, WR
Amari Jefferson’s recruitment out of Baylor School was widely considered to have come down to Tennessee and Alabama before the four-star prospect chose the Crimson Tide. He ranked as the No. 146 overall prospect in the 2024 class.
Could Tennessee Football make another run at the former Chattanooga standout now that Saban has retired?
Future battles
2025 QB George MacIntyre
Five-star in-state quarterback Georgia MacIntyre’s decision likely will come down to LSU, Alabama and Tennessee. LSU just landed the No. 1 quarterback in the 2025 class, and now Alabama is without Nick Saban.
MacIntyre, who ranks as the No. 2 quarterback in the class, has been the top quarterback on the Vols’ board. Now it seems he may be trending toward Knoxville with the recent news. He is also the No. 15 quarterback in the class, playing his high school football at Brentwood Academy.
Battles won on the trail
Arion Carter, LB
It shouldn’t be forgotten that Josh Heupel got Arion Carter in the 2024 class out of middle Tennessee when he was highly sought after by Nick Saban. The Smyrna, Tennessee native is one of the bright spots for the future of Tennessee defense at the linebacker position.
Carter played in eight games this season for the Vols, totaling 17 total tackles and a tackle for loss.
