A former Tennessee Vols tight end is reportedly “exploring” a return to college football, thanks to the ruling that makes class of 2022 players eligible for the 2026 season.

According to On3’s Pete Nakos, former Vols tight end Holden States is interested in returning to college football for another season.

Staes, who started his career at Notre Dame, spent the 2024 season at Tennessee before transferring to Indiana for the 2025 season.

“Staes tells On3 that he is exploring a return to college football,” reported Nakos.

The Georgia native won a national championship with Indiana last season (Staes didn’t record any stats, but he did play in the national championship game against the Miami Hurricanes).

Staes caught seven passes for 62 yards and two touchdowns for the Hoosiers in 2025.

During his lone season with the Vols, Staes caught 15 passes for 131 yards and one touchdown.

Staes didn’t sign with an NFL team after going unselected in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Indiana has a young tight end room with three redshirt freshmen, so bringing Staes back could be an important experience boost for the Hoosiers.