Seven Tennessee football players who recently declared their intention to enter the transfer portal did not participate in team practice on Tuesday, according to a source with direct knowledge of the situation. The source requested anonymity since the players have not publicly confirmed their decisions and practice was closed to the media.
This absence suggests the players are not expected to be available for Tennessee’s College Football Playoff game, likely to facilitate a quicker transfer process
The transfer portal opened on Monday and will close on December 28, with an additional five-day window for teams still in the CFP.
Tennessee (10-2) will face Ohio State (10-2) on December 21 in the first round of the playoffs. The winner will then play No. 1 Oregon in the Rose Bowl on Jansuary 1.
Although none of the players entering the portal are starters, some, like slot receiver Chas Nimrod and linebacker Jalen Smith, could play important roles in the playoffs. Losing them could be significant, especially with potential injury concerns.
Omari Thomas, a UT defensive lineman and team captain, expressed respect for his teammates’ decisions to enter the portal, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the players still committed to the team for the playoff journey.
Coach Josh Heupel has not yet stated whether players in the portal will be allowed to participate in the CFP game, but he acknowledged the difficulty of skipping such a significant opportunity.
Players in the portal are eligible to play in the playoffs for their current team if their coach permits it. However, balancing playoff preparation with recruiting trips for other schools could create challenges. Alternatively, players can announce their intent to enter the portal without officially entering it until after their team’s final game.
Andre Turrentine, a safety who transferred from Ohio State to Tennessee, offered insight into the transfer experience, acknowledging the personal challenges of switching schools.
The situation is complicated, but players’ decisions to transfer are increasingly common in college football. While teammates may feel sadness, they understand the need for players to make choices that are best for them.
The absences could impact Tennessee’s game against Ohio State. Nimrod, who serves as a backup slot receiver, could be particularly missed if starter Squirrel White remains limited by injury. Smith’s departure from the linebacker rotation will likely lead to freshman Edwin Spillman taking over.
Other players who have entered the portal include wide receiver Kaleb Webb, cornerback Jordan Matthews, running back Khalifa Keith, offensive lineman Vysen Lang, and walk-on quarterback Ryan Damron. Though they are often used in reserve roles, their departures could still affect special teams and depth.
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