A pass rusher from the Big Ten with a light connection to the Tennessee Vols says he’s entering the NCAA transfer portal.

Indiana redshirt freshman edge Triston Abram announced this week that he’s entering the portal.

“Thank you God for giving me the talent to play football, and allowing me to play this sport at this level,” wrote Abram in a statement on Twitter. “While I had many choices with where I would play football at the collegiate level, Indiana was my final choice, and that’s a decision that I’ll never regret. Indiana allowed me to experience a wonderful college town. It was in Indiana that I met so many supporters and fans. Those of which I will never forget. Indiana also allowed me to become a National Champion, which is something I worked hard for and will always be proud of.

“This season of life has taught me that at times your best simply won’t be good enough, and sometimes your best is too much for certain spaces. I’m thankful for the lessons that have strengthened me for the journey ahead. With that being said, I am announcing my entrance into the transfer portal with four years of eligibility remaining.”

Abram, a former three-star recruit, was a true freshman at Indiana in 2025, which means he spent one season with current Vols strength coach Derek Owings (Abram didn’t see any action for the Hoosiers last season).

Despite that connection, I wouldn’t expect Tennessee to show any interest in Abram.

For starters, Abram won’t actually be able to transfer until after the 2026 season — unless he wins an appeal (and who knows if that’s even realistic — the rules are being made up as we go along in college football these days).

Secondly, the Vols are only looking for instant impact help in the transfer portal, and there’s nothing to suggest that Abram is that type of player.

Plus, while we don’t know the circumstances of Abram’s departure from Indiana, it’s certainly reasonable to suggest that leaving a championship-winning program in late July is a red flag.