‘I had to find a new program’ – Former Vols EDGE Jordan Ross addresses why he transferred from Tennessee to LSU
One of the Tennessee Volunteers’ most significant losses in the NCAA transfer portal this offseason was the loss of EDGE Jordan Ross, a former five-star recruit, to the LSU Tigers.
One of the Tennessee Vols’ most significant losses in the NCAA transfer portal this offseason was EDGE Jordan Ross.
Ross, a former five-star recruit from Vestavia Hills, AL, spent the first two seasons of his college career at Tennessee before transferring to LSU in January.
The Alabama native totaled 26 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and a forced fumble during his time with the Vols.
Jordan Ross addresses why he left Tennessee for LSU
Ross recently met with reporters and was asked how he ended up at LSU.
The former Vol said that he “had to find a new program” after Tennessee parted ways with defensive coordinator Tim Banks and outside linebackers coach Levorn Harbin.
“I had to find a new program,” said Ross before pausing to gather his thoughts. “I had to look for a new start, I’m gonna say that. I had to look for a new start after my defensive coordinator left and my other coach left. So I wanted to start off fresh, to be honest.
“I [saw that] Coach (Sterling) Lucas left his South Carolina job to go to LSU. And I did my research on Coach (Blake) Baker and how he runs his defense, and honestly, it
really fit my playstyle and how I can be better and be put in a great system.”
Ross is undeniably talented, but he had trouble being consistent during his time at Tennessee.
“Jordan Ross gotta work on being physical,” said Harbin in 2025. “He didn’t get many reps last year. He has got to stay healthy. He didn’t stay healthy last year. So he’s got to do a great job of maintenance throughout the year on his body. And he’s still a pup. He’s still a freshman in my eyes.”
“Honestly, Ross is gifted but he’s not consistent with his work,” continued Harbin. “He has to be more consistent every day. He’s a little bit on the immature side because he’s still a freshman. He gotta become more mature and take things more serious. That’s what I’m trying to get across to him. He has God-given talent, but he gotta become more consistent with the mental aspect of the game and taking everything serious.”
Ross and LSU will visit Knoxville for a matchup against Tennessee on November 21.