College football insider predicts the Tennessee Vols will miss out on one of their top transfer portal targets

The Tennessee Vols are in the mix for a couple of big-time NCAA transfer portal targets.

Zach Ragan Tennessee Volunteers News Writer
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The Tennessee Vols are pursuing numerous defensive players in the NCAA transfer portal.

Tennessee isn’t exactly overhauling their defense, but the program is looking to add some talent that fits into new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles’ scheme.

One of the Vols’ top defensive targets is Wake Forest transfer defensive lineman Mateen Ibirogba.

Ibirogba, who has one season of eligibility remaining, was one of the best defensive linemen in the ACC last season, totaling 21 tackles, 2 sacks, and 3.5 tackles for loss.

The coveted defensive lineman is expected to visit Tennessee this week.

College football insider predicts that Tennessee won’t land Mateen Ibirogba

On3 national college football insider Pete Nakos made some transfer portal predictions on Monday, and he doesn’t think Tennessee will be the team that lands Ibirogba.

Instead, Nakos thinks Texas Tech will be the team that wins the battle for the Wake Forest transfer.

Nakso also noted that Ibirogba is expected to receive an NIL deal worth around $1 million.

“Sources have told On3 that the 6-foot-3, 296-pound defensive tackle is set to command in the $1 million range,” wrote Nakos. “Ibirogba is lining up visits to Georgia Tech, Notre Dame, Tennessee and Texas Tech….Prediction: Texas Tech.”

Transfer decisions can change at a moment’s notice, so it’s not like this prediction means Tennessee is out. The Vols, though, clearly have some work to do to land a commitment from Ibirogba. Tennessee will need to nail the visit and open up the checkbook to win this transfer battle.