‘Ohio State seems like they’re fading’ – Tennessee’s chances to land key defensive transfer target appear to be improving
The Tennessee Vols are working hard to land some top defensive transfer talent.
One of the Tennessee Vols’ top remaining portal targets is Penn State Nittany Lions transfer EDGE Chaz Coleman.
The Vols hosted Coleman on a visit earlier this week.
After the visit to Tennessee, Coleman, an Ohio native, visited the Ohio State Buckeyes.
Coleman has also visited the LSU Tigers. Additionally, there are rumblings that South Carolina could get into the mix for Coleman.
The initial feeling was that Ohio State, which recruited Coleman in high school, was the overwhelming favorite to land the talented EDGE.
But now it sounds like Ohio State is “fading” in the battle for Coleman.
Vols insider shares the latest on Chaz Coleman
VolQuest’s Brent Hubbs joined 104.5 The Zone’s Ramon and Will on Friday and he pointed out that it seems Ohio State is “fading” for Coleman.
“[Tennessee’s] had Chaz Coleman in as well,” said Hubbs. “Tennessee is gonna go see that family at home and try to see if they can get that one closed. LSU is in there. South Carolina’s in there. Ohio State seems like they’re fading. The Ohio State people, they seem like they’re fading with Chaz Coleman.”
Some folks in the sport suggested earlier this week that Ohio State wasn’t going to give Coleman a blank check to play for the Buckeyes (though there are conflicting reports there). When you factor in Hubbs’ comments, it seems to indicate that landing Coleman could be pricier than expected. Still, he’s a player the Vols need. And he would be a perfect fit for Tennessee given his previous experience in new Vols defensive coordinator Jim Knowles’ defense.
Knowles, by the way, is a big fan of Coleman.
“He’s crazy athletic, explosive,” said Knowles of Coleman in August. “For a freshman, he plays really hard. Like he plays to the echo of the whistle, chases the ball all over the place. I call him the Chazmanian Devil.”
Knowles continued to be impressed by Coleman after the start of the 2025 season.
“He’s jumped off the screen from the time I first got to be around him, and he’s made plays in games,” said Knowles in September. “He’s just a really disruptive guy. I think his progress is going to have to come against teams that are heavier in the run game and more talented in the run game. We’re going to have to see how he can hold up in that because I think he can pass rush against anybody. His development is going to have to come in against a team that really tries to run the ball.”
Tennessee is still in it for Coleman, but the Vols may need to go over budget to land the coveted EDGE.
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