Tennessee may not be exactly killing it in the transfer portal. However, that’s partly by design.
Per a source that spoke to Off The Hook Sports, the Vols were much more focused on retaining their current players than they were bringing transfers in before the portal even opened in early December. That doesn’t mean Tennessee won’t land another highly rated transfer or two later this month, but don’t bet your bottom dollar that will be the case.
Tennessee had to re-up on several NIL contracts after last season, which included shelling out more dough to quarterback Nico Iamaleava and receiver Mike Matthews, to keep their roster intact. While some fans might have not been happy with last season, a College Football Playoff run certainly gave Tennessee’s players more leverage in negotiating NIL deals.
The Vols lost 15 players to the portal, but Tennessee’s coaching staff is only lamenting one loss: receiver Squirrel White, who transferred to Florida State.
Per the source, the Vols wanted to keep White, but the price tag was just too high. It’s worth noting that White has a son, so a financial decision made a lot of sense for him. He was limited last season with a shoulder injury but still caught 34 passes for 381 yards and two touchdowns.
White could have been a key cog at slot receiver for the Vols, but it’s hard to blame him for wanting to make more money for his family. Tennessee’s not wrong either for not wanting to match FSU’s offer, which the source said was quite substantial.
One could argue that Alabama transfer Amari Jefferson has a higher upside that White. That’s what the Vols are banking on.
It’s clear that Tennessee is focusing more on high school recruiting than the transfer portal. Roughly 75 percent of their emphasis on roster building is about retaining talent and targeting kids in high school. That’s been evident by the Vols’ recruiting traverses to high schools across the nation as opposed to hosting potential transfers. It could be good or bad.
The Vols now have more scholarships to dole out to top high school prospects after losing so many players. That could mean Tennessee isn’t as talented this season as they were last season when it comes to experienced players who are ready to play. However, there’s another angle to consider.
Currently, Tennessee’s coaches see the transfer portal as a band-aid and not a full surgical procedure. Building their roster through high school recruiting could make Tennessee better long-term. That, however, might not sit well with Tennessee fans that are ready to win at championship immediately.
Tennessee’s recruiting focus has clearly shifted. Sure, they’ve been flat out beaten in the transfer portal by a number of different schools. That, however, doesn’t mean things aren’t going according to plan. It’s just a sign of the Vols’ new recruiting focus.
Now, no one has said this new path will be successful or lead to a championship, nor does it mean that the Vols are doing anything great in the transfer portal because they’re turning players away. However, it’s not just plain old fashioned ineptitude. It’s also a part of the plan.
