Defensive lineman that was high on the Vols as a recruit and also has a connection to Tennessee DC Jim Knowles enters transfer portal
The Tennessee Vols could still stand to add some transfer defensive linemen to the roster.
The Tennessee Vols landed a big commitment on Thursday from Penn State Nittany Lions transfer defensive linemen Xavier Gilliam.
Gilliam, who played under new Vols defensive coordinator Jim Knowles at Penn State in 2025, is an important pickup for Tennessee. The Vols badly needed to land an impact defensive lineman, and Gilliam fits the bill.
Tennessee, however, could still use another transfer defensive lineman or two.
And one entered the portal on Friday that could make sense for the Volunteers.
Ohio State defensive lineman Jarquez Carter enters the transfer portal
Ohio State Buckeyes true freshman defensive lineman Jarquez Carter is planning to enter the NCAA transfer portal, according to a report from On3.
Carter, 6-foot-2/288 pounds from Newberry, FL, totaled one tackle in seven games for the Buckeyes in 2025.
The former four-star recruit signed with Ohio State when Knowles was still the Buckeyes’ defensive coordinator.
Tennessee was also in the mix for Carter during his high school recruitment.
Carter, in fact, spoke glowingly about Vols defensive line coach Rodney Garner to GoVols247 in 2024.
“I definitely love the way he coaches,” said Carter of Garner. “He’ll push you, make you pull out things you never had, you never thought you could reach.”
“I really didn’t know nothing about Tennessee until I came to practice (in December before the Citrus Bowl in 2023) and I saw the way Coach Garner coaches and how much he loves the kids,” addd Carter. “He pushed them. I feel like that’s the type of coach I probably need to be around to get me to get to the level that I want to be to get to the next level.”
It wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Vols get in the mix for Carter. Tennessee will need to get the Ohio State transfer on campus to have a shot.
Tennessee Volunteers News
‘Ohio State seems like they’re fading’ – Tennessee’s chances to land key defensive transfer target appear to be improving
The Tennessee Vols are working hard to land some top defensive transfer talent.
