‘The plan was for me to come back to Tennessee’ – Former 4-star recruit details why he transferred after one season on Rocky Top
The former Tennessee Vols tight end will be playing for another SEC program in 2026.
The Tennessee Vols lost a couple of players to the NCAA transfer portal this offseason that they weren’t necessarily expected to lose (which is the story for many teams in college football these days).
One of those players was tight end Jack Van Dorselaer, who played some important snaps as a true freshman for the Volunteers last season.
Van Dorselaer, a former four-star recruit from Southlake, TX, transferred to Oklahoma in January, where his position coach will be former Tennessee tight end Jason Witten.
Jack Van Dorselaer details his decision to transfer to Oklahoma
Van Dorselaer recently joined Portal Guys and he was asked about his decision to transfer from Tennessee to Oklahoma.
The former Vol said that getting closer to home was a primary factor in his decision.
“Going to Tennessee was great for me,” said Van Dorselaer. “My ability to play as a true freshman — I learned a lot this past season — how to overcome adversity and be trusted on game day.
“The plan was for me to come back to Tennessee. But after the season, I was just thinking I just miss the Lone Star State and being close to home. And playing with Texas guys, I think, is also big. Our quarterback (John Mateer) is from Texas. Being around that part of the country again and close to my family, I think it was good as a family decision because it’s hard for them to get to games on Saturdays. And [now] it’s easier for them. It’s a two and a half hour drive.”
“So that was an aspect of it,” added Van Dorselaer. “And also playing for Coach Witten is huge — he’s one of the best to ever do it. And learning from a guy like that at this level, I think is really going to be big for me to get me where I need to go. Not just learning how to play the game better, but also how to handle stuff off the field.”
Van Dorselaer also spoke to reporters earlier this month at Oklahoma and said that he felt the Sooners’ offense was a better fit for him.
“As the season went went on, I learned some things,” said Van Dorselaer. “I just felt like this offense was better for me, and a better opportunity for me to succeed at the next level.”
Van Dorselaer also noted that Oklahoma offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle sees him as a more of an everything tight end.
“I think he (Arbuckle) sees me more as a hybrid guy,” said Van Dorselaer. “Like I said earlier, not just blocking, not just pass catching, but doing everything. So I think that’s kind of also what drew me to Oklahoma was that aspect of it.”
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