Tennessee sees another former player transfer to an SEC team on their schedule in 2026

One of Tennessee’s notable defenders from 2025 will square off against his old team next season.

Craig Smith — College Football & NFL Trending News Writer
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Tennessee’s 2026 schedule is going to feature a lot of reunions with former Vols now on other teams. But that’s just the way things are now in the transfer portal era.

Starting offensive tackle Lance Heard is now a Kentucky Wildcat. Kicker Max Gilbert left for the Arkansas Razorbacks. Edge rusher Jordan Ross and offensive lineman William Satterwhite are now at LSU. And now, you can expect to see another former Vol on the other sideline when Tennessee takes the field in Columbia, South Carolina.

Per On3 Sports, edge rusher Caleb Herring committed to the South Carolina Gamecocks.

Tennessee EDGE Caleb Herring transferring to South Carolina

Herring entered the portal after the Vols’ Music City Bowl loss to Illinois. He took visits to Mississippi State and Miami, but ultimately found an opportunity that best suited him with the Gamecocks.

Herring, who starred at Riverdale High School in Murfreesboro, was one of the Vols’ top prospects in their 2023 class, ranking as a Rivals industry ranking top 100 player and the top player in the state of Tennessee.

He appeared in 36 games over three seasons for Tennessee with 25 total tackles, eight tackles for loss, five sacks, two passes defended, and a forced fumble. His best season came in 2025, as he totaled career bests with 14 tackles, six tackles for loss, and four sacks.

It’s an unfortunate loss, as the departure of fellow edge rusher Ross to LSU already dealt a blow to the Vols’ pass rush. And now, the Vols will likely have to figure out how to stop both Ross and Herring when the Vols step on the field against them this fall.

The Vols and Gamecocks will face off on October 24 in Columbia.

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