Power-4 conference player that had a big game against the Tennessee Vols is reportedly entering the transfer portal

The Tennessee Vols are expected to be active in the transfer portal market this offseason.

Zach Ragan Tennessee Volunteers News Writer
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An ACC player that a big game against the Tennessee Vols is reportedly entering the NCAA transfer portal.

Syracuse running back Yasin Willis announced on Tuesday that he plans to enter the portal when it officially opens on Jan. 2.

Tennessee beat Syracuse 45-26 in the 2025 season opener. Willis, however, rushed for 91 yards and three touchdowns against the Vols’ defense.

The New Jersey native finished the 2025 season with 558 rushing yards and four touchdowns. He also caught nine passes for 42 yards.

Willis has two seasons of eligibility remaining.

Tennessee needs to add a transfer running back

The Vols have a need at running back with sophomore Peyton Lewis recently announcing that he plans to enter the protal.

Tennessee will have plenty of options as there’s no shortage of running backs in the portal (which means the Vols’ coaching staff will need to be sound in their transfer evaluations). Willis, though, is a player that proved he can have success against an SEC defense. And while he didn’t put up eye-popping numbers at Syracuse, it’s worth noting that losing Willis is viewed as a big loss for the Orange.

We’ll see if Tennessee chooses to kick the tires on Willis.

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