The Tennessee Vols have some new competition for a top transfer portal target
The Tennessee Vols need to make several transfer additions on the defensive side of the ball.
The Tennessee Vols are likely going to be in the mix for several defensive transfer players when the portal opens on Jan. 2.
One player the Vols are expected to target is Penn State Nittany Lions transfer EDGE Chaz Coleman.
Coleman, a former four-star recruit who totaled eight tackles, one sack, and one forced fumble as a true freshman in 2025, played under new Vols defensive coordinator Jim Knowles at Penn State this past season.
The talented EDGE quickly impressed Knowles last season at Penn State.
“He’s crazy athletic, explosive,” said Knowles of Coleman in August. “For a freshman, he plays really hard. Like he plays to the echo of the whistle, chases the ball all over the place. I call him the Chazmanian Devil.”
Knowles continued to be impressed by Coleman after the start of the 2025 season.
“He’s jumped off the screen from the time I first got to be around him, and he’s made plays in games,” said Knowles in September. “He’s just a really disruptive guy. I think his progress is going to have to come against teams that are heavier in the run game and more talented in the run game. We’re going to have to see how he can hold up in that because I think he can pass rush against anybody. His development is going to have to come in against a team that really tries to run the ball.”
The Tennessee Vols will face stiff competition for Chaz Coleman
The Ohio State Buckeyes are viewed as one of the top favorites for Coleman, but they aren’t the only program that will serve as competition for Tennessee in this transfer battle.
South Carolina could also be a major factor for Coleman.
That’s because South Carolina is hiring Penn State defensive line coach Deion Barnes as their new defensive ends/outside linebackers coach.
Coleman appears to be a big fan of Barnes based on his social media reaction.
Coleman has the talent to be one of the best defensive players in the nation. And he’d obviously be a great fit in Knowles’ defense at Tennessee. But it’s going to be tough for the Vols to beat out Ohio State and South Carolina for the talented EDGE.
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