Former Vols player who transferred named one of college football's breakout candidates in 2023
The Tennessee Vols haven't lost a lot of talent to the NCAA transfer portal since the initial wave of departures after Jeremy Pruitt was fired as the program's head coach. Sure, the Vols have had a few players leave, but they've mostly been depth players who are looking for more playing time. One of the […]
The Tennessee Vols haven't lost a lot of talent to the NCAA transfer portal since the initial wave of departures after Jeremy Pruitt was fired as the program's head coach.
Sure, the Vols have had a few players leave, but they've mostly been depth players who are looking for more playing time.
One of the players Tennessee lost to the portal this offseason, however, could be primed for a big season in 2023.
Former Vols quarterback Tayven Jackson transferred to Indiana earlier this offseason. Jackson, who is from Indiana, is a former four-star recruit who saw limited action for Tennessee as a true freshman in 2022.
Jackson was recently named by 247Sports as one of the most likely breakout candidates this season in the Big 10.
From 247Sports: Playing football at a school where a sibling starred on the hardwood worked for North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye (brother of Luke); we'll see if it does for Tennessee transfer Tayven Jackson, brother of Trayce Jackson-Davis. Jackson is a former four-star prospect and was the No. 12 quarterback in the Class of 2022, ranking No. 237 overall. He's in a duel with Brendan Sorsby, who threw six passes last season and had one intercepted. There aren't any real expectations surrounding Indiana this season, but it could be a team that pulls an upset or two if a foe sleepwalks against it, which would give Jackson his big moment if he's the one calling the signals.
Jackson has to win the starting quarterback job before he can truly break out for the Hoosiers, but I don't think there's any doubt that he has the talent to make a major impact for Indiana.
And I'm betting Vols fans will be rooting for him. Jackson was going to have a tough time seeing the field for Tennessee with Joe Milton entrenched as the Vols' starter this fall. True freshman Nico Iamalaeava, the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2023 recruiting class, is the heir apparent to Milton.
Jackson, who spoke highly of Milton and Hendon Hooker after he transferred to Indiana, didn't leave Tennessee with a bad taste in his mouth. He left for a situation that made more sense for his career. And most Vols fans have been more than understanding.
