Tennessee football transfer portal tracker: Who's in, out for Josh Heupel in 2026

Tennessee football will try to retool key parts of its roster for the 2026 season when the transfer portal opens Jan. 2.

The Vols had an 8-4 record in the 2025 regular season with coach Josh Heupel's youngest team of his tenure. He'll need to upgrade some pivotal positions to improve on that performance next season.

Two UT players have already announced that they'll enter the portal, and more will follow. The Vols will look to fill their spots with transfers.

Here's a quick overview of Tennessee's approach to the transfer portal.

What does Tennessee football need from transfer portal?

The middle of the defense should be a focus for Tennessee in the portal. The Vols need defensive tackles, perhaps a linebacker, safeties and more.

Veteran defensive linemen Bryson Eason, Dominic Bailey and Tyre West have exhausted their eligibility, as well as edge rusher Joshua Josephs. Linebacker Arion Carter must decide whether he's entering the NFL draft, but UT may need help at linebacker even if he returns.

The graduation of safety Andre Turrentine and nickelback Jalen McMurray leaves at least two starting positions open in the secondary. Other NFL draft decisions could impact UT's portal needs.

Quarterback Joey Aguilar joined Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia’s lawsuit against the NCAA’s junior college rule, hoping to gain an extra year of eligibility and return to the Vols in 2026. Aguilar's future will determine whether the Vols need to add a quarterback.

Who is leaving Tennessee football via the transfer portal

Defensive lineman Jamal Wallace

Jamal Wallace announced on Dec. 1 that he planned to enter the portal. He came to Tennessee in 2024 as a junior college transfer. The 6-foot-3, 313-pounder was plagued by injuries in the 2024 season, played only three games and took a redshirt. He played six games and made four tackles in the 2025 season.

Wallace played in only one of UT's last seven games. He has one season of eligibility remaining.

Defensive back/punt returner Boo Carter

Boo Carter announced on Nov. 16 that he planned to enter the portal following his dismissal from the UT football team. In 2025, he played nine games as a backup nickelback and primary punt returner. He had 25 tackles, including 4.5 for loss, along with three forced fumbles. He also has 11 punt returns for 145 yards.

In 2024, Carter earned SEC All-Freshman honors as a defensive back and return specialist. And he was a 2025 preseason All-SEC selection.

Adam Sparks is the Tennessee football beat reporter. Email [email protected]. X, formerly known as Twitter@AdamSparks. Support strong local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe.

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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Tennessee football transfer portal tracker: Who's in, out in 2026