The landscape of college football recruiting has shifted dramatically lately, mostly thanks to the rise of the transfer portal and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. These changes have made traditional signing days feel less set in stone—everything’s more fluid now.
Some programs, like Ohio State and Georgia, still lean hard on high school recruiting. Others, including Tennessee, are trying to strike a balance between bringing in recruits and adding transfers. Under head coach Josh Heupel, Tennessee’s leaned toward building with high school talent, though the results have been, well, mixed at best.
This article digs into Tennessee’s recruiting approach, the transfer portal’s growing influence, and how NIL deals are reshaping the game.
The Evolution of College Football Recruiting
The transfer portal and NIL deals have completely changed how teams build their rosters. Players can move around more freely, often looking for more playing time—or maybe just a better NIL deal.
Because of all this movement, signing days aren’t the end-all they used to be. Plenty of recruits end up transferring after just a year or two.
Transfer Portal: A Game Changer
The portal’s become a lifeline for players and programs alike. Guys who aren’t happy at big-name schools jump in, hoping to play more somewhere else. On the flip side, stars at smaller programs use the portal to chase bigger NIL payouts and more exposure at powerhouse schools.
Ohio State and Georgia mostly stick to high school recruiting and pick up a few transfers here and there. Tennessee, though, has brought in fewer transfers than any other SEC team over the last two years. They’re betting big on high school recruits.
Tennessee’s Recruiting Strategy Under Josh Heupel
Josh Heupel keeps saying high school recruiting is the foundation. Even with all the portal chaos and NIL drama, he stays optimistic about where Tennessee football is headed.
His approach has landed Tennessee some strong recruiting classes. The 2023 group, for example, was ranked in the top 10 and included a five-star quarterback.
High Hopes and Harsh Realities
Back in December 2022, Heupel rolled out a class led by quarterback Nico Iamaleava. The group had hyped-up receivers like Nathan Leacock and Cam Seldon, edge rusher Chandavian Bradley, and corner Jordan Matthews.
But fast forward three years—none of those guys are still with the program. Only 10 of the 25 signees from that class played for the Vols in the 2025 season.
It’s tough to ignore how early signing periods, NIL, and the portal have made rosters way less stable. Sometimes it feels like signing a kid just means giving him a two-year tryout.
The 2026 Recruiting Class: A New Hope?
On December 3, 2025, Heupel announced his highest-rated class yet. The 2026 group features five-star quarterback Faizon Brandon, five-star receiver Tristen Keys, and a whopping 10 defensive linemen.
Heupel sounded genuinely hopeful about what this group could mean for the program’s future.
Challenges and Expectations
But here’s the catch: Will these recruits actually become Tennessee stars, or will they just end up in the portal too? It’s hard to say—player movement is just part of the deal now, especially after the second year.
Fans should brace themselves for more departures from the 2024 class once the portal opens on January 2. Defensive back Boo Carter, defensive end Kellen Lindstrom, and defensive lineman Jamal Wallace have already said they’re transferring.
It’s tough for fans who want to see guys stick it out at one school. Still, when players leave, it opens up roster spots and frees up NIL money for transfers or new recruits who might be a better fit.
Balancing Recruits and Transfers: A Delicate Act
The best teams are still built on high school recruiting. But you have to supplement with the right transfers. Ohio State, for example, had 85% of its national title game lineup made up of high school recruits—just eight transfers saw the field.
Georgia’s roster is also loaded with former four- and five-star high school recruits. They’ve managed to build powerhouses by recruiting well and being picky with transfers. Heupel seems to believe this is the way to go if Tennessee wants to be a playoff regular.
NIL: The Hidden Factor
NIL is the wild card in all of this. Tennessee, like other big-time programs, has about $13.5 million to spend on its roster, more or less, with a sort-of salary cap in revenue sharing. On top of that, players can rake in even more through third-party NIL deals—money that comes from collectives, companies, or local business owners in exchange for endorsements.
No one really knows the exact payroll numbers—they’re not public. So, fans just have to trust that Tennessee is spending wisely. The trick is to avoid overpaying for recruits who might not pan out, and instead invest in transfers who can make an immediate difference.
If Tennessee’s not throwing big money at the bottom half of its signing class, maybe they’re onto something. It gives them a chance to develop talent, move on from underachievers, and hang onto the guys who really shine.
The Future of Tennessee Football
Tennessee’s approach to college football recruiting is anything but simple these days. Whether Heupel’s plan will pay off? Only time—and the scoreboard—will tell.
Fans are watching closely as the roster shifts and changes. Everyone’s hoping for a team that can finally chase a championship, blending the right recruits and transfers.
For more detailed insights and updates on Tennessee football, visit Knox News.
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