A Tennessee Vols defensive back who left the program after the 2025 season to join another SEC program could be one of the biggest steals of the transfer cycle, according to ESPN.

Cornerback Rickey Gibson spent the first three seasons of his career at Tennessee before transferring to Texas A&M in January.

The expectation was that Gibson would return to Tennessee in 2026, so it was a bit of a surprise when he decided to enter the portal.

“I didn’t think Rickey Gibson was going to go in the portal,” said VolQuest’s Brent Hubbs in January. “I thought that one was worked out. And I thought he was good to go to come back to Tennessee. I think when a couple of coaching changes happened in the back end — with Willie Martinez and Earnest Thomas III not coming back, I think that probably prompted that for him to move on. And obviously, he toyed with moving on a year ago on a couple of different occasions. So that one surprised me. I thought he would be back.”

Gibson suffered a season-ending injury in the first half of last year’s opener against Syracuse.

ESPN says Rickey Gibson could be a big steal for Texas A&M

ESPN recently released its top 100 transfer rankings and they have Gibson at No. 74.

“Gibson missed most of 2025 with an injury, but his sophomore tape is very impressive,” noted ESPN’s Steve Muench. “He’s a quick-twitched lockdown corner with great instincts. He’s sticky in man coverage with fluid hips to mirror, turn and run and close separation fast. He has a ball hawk mentality with great anticipation skills. He’s aggressive and physical as an edge setter and a strong open field tackler. Could be a steal in this portal window if he bounces back fully from injury.”

The good news for Tennessee is that despite losing Gibson, they may have actually upgraded at cornerback by landing Auburn transfer Kayin Lee, who is ranked No. 56 in ESPN’s transfer rankings.

“He’s a strong Cover 2 corner with good speed and footwork,” wrote Muench of Lee. “He is physical with receivers in press; excels at rerouting and gaining leverage. Lee is at his best when keeping the ball in front of him, but transitions and closes quickly. He’s competitive when targeted and will go up and fight for the high-point ball. Lee possesses very good eye discipline and is instinctive. He’s an aggressive edge-setter against the run, and a sound wrap-up tackler who makes plays in space and limits leaky yardage. He has good speed and length, but physicality and effort are what really stand out.”

Lee and sophomore Ty Redmond are expected to serve as the Vols’ starting cornerbacks this fall.

Tennessee will face off against Gibson and the Aggies on November 14 when the Volunteers travel to College Station.