There’s a ‘super explosive’ defensive back that’s entering the transfer portal that makes a lot of sense for the Tennessee Vols
The Tennessee Vols will be making some transfer portal additions in a few weeks.
A defensive back that makes a lot of sense for the Tennessee Vols is reportedly entering the NCAA transfer portal.
According to On3’s Hayes Fawcett, Penn State cornerback Elliot Washington is planning to enter the transfer portal.
Washington is a former four-star recruit who received an offer from Tennessee when he was in high school. He totaled 18 tackles and one interception in 2025 while playing in a rotational role for the Nittany Lions.
Why Tennessee makes sense for Elliot Washington
Tennessee officially hired Jim Knowles as the program’s new defensive coordinator on Thursday. Knowles coached at Penn State in 2025, so he spent a season with Washington.
The Vols are expected to start Rickey Gibson and Ty Redmond at cornerback in 2026 (unless Colton Hood returns in 2026, but he’s expected to enter the NFL Draft). Tennessee, however, could still use some depth at the cornerback position. Washington, who has one season of eligibility remaining, would make sense as a fit given his experience in Knowles’ defense.
Washington is a high upside player who was once described by former Penn State head coach James Franklin as “super explosive”.
“(He’s) super-explosive, maybe the most explosive guy we have on our team,” said Franklin last spring of Washington. “Maybe the most horsepower in terms of speed on our team. There’s a lot of excitement in the building and he’s earned it.”
The Vols need secondary depth and speed. Washington fits the bill, and he has the already-mentioned experience in Knowles’ system. On paper, at least, it’s a perfect fit.
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