Big Orange Report January 15, 2026

 


Incoming Talent

The wild and wacky world of the transfer portal is wide open now. Tennessee has seen two dozen or so players leave the program and now the staff is working to add new talent to the roster. The start has been promising as one immediate area of need has already been addressed. Let's start meeting the new Volunteers that are coming on board for next season.
Kayin Lee-- Cornerback (5-11, 185, 4.5) from Auburn-- Lee is an experienced defensive back that was a two year starter at Auburn. Over the past two seasons, Lee registered 63 total tackles, 11 pass breakups and three interceptions. He possesses excellent catch up speed and is skilled at man to man coverage.
Qua Moss--Safety, Nickle Back (5-11, 190, 4.55) from Kansas State--A versatile defender that can line up at multiple positions; Moss was the nickel or rover back for Kansas State this past season. He had 41 tackles and two interceptions. Tennessee was in desperate need for an experienced nickel (star) after Boo Carter departed and Jalen McMurray finished his eligibility with the Vols.
Ory Williams-- Offensive Tackle (6-8, 330) from LSU-- Williams has two or three years of eligibility remaining for college ball after two seasons with the Tigers. He replaces another former LSU tackle on the roster after Lance Heard bailed out on the Vols. He played on all the LSU special teams in the fall and logged 150 snaps on the offensive line and did not give up a sack or quarterback hurry. He is ticketed for right tackle at UT as the staff will be moving David Sanders to the left side of the blocking front.
Cooper Ranvier-- Place Kicker (6-3, 205) from Louisville-- The staff moved quickly to replace departed kicker Max Gilbert. Tennessee has added Ranvier from the Louisville Cardinals. This past season Ranvier converted 13 of 14 field goal attempts from inside 49 yards. He was 2 for 5 beyond the 50-yard threshold. Most observers believe he was the best available kicker in the portal this year.
Xavier Gilliam-- Defensive Tackle (6-2, 300) from Penn State-- This young defensive lineman has three years of eligibility remaining for college ball. He played for new UT defensive coordinator Knowles and is joining him in Knoxville. Gilliam was a reserve for the Nittany Lions in 2025 and saw action in every game while posting 15 tackles. He picked Tennessee over offers from Indiana and Notre Dame.
Amare Campbell--- Linebacker (6-0, 232, 4.6) from Penn State-- Coach Knowles adds another front-line defender from his one year at Penn State by signing Campbell. In 2025, the rising senior linebacker recorded 103 total tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss and three quarterback sacks. He played at North Carolina before transferring to Happy Valley. This is a huge addition for the Vol defense that lost Arion Carter.
Chaz Coleman-- DE/OLB (6-4, 241, 4.65) from Penn State-- The marquee addition thus far out of the portal. Coleman was a true freshman this past season. He was a five-star rated recruit out of high school and played 150 snaps as a reserve for the Nittany Lions. Three of his eight tackles were for minus yardage. He is the No. 3 ranked transfer overall and the No. 1 edge pass rusher in the portal this year. He had offers from Ohio State and LSU before choosing the Big Orange.
Dejuan Lane-- Safety (6-2, 205, 4.6) from Penn State-- Lane started three games for Penn State in 2025 and has participated in 29 contests during his college career. He has totaled 44 tackles and one pass interception. He joined Gilliam and Campbell in assisting the staff to bring Coleman on board. Lane knows the defensive system employed by Coach Knowles.
Gavin Freeman-- Receiver/Kick Return (5-8, 185, 4.5) from Oklahoma State-- Freeman is a slot receiver that led OSU with 53 receptions for 481 yards and four touchdowns last fall. Tennessee wanted him as a kick return specialist. During his career he has run back 39 punts for 221 yards and one touchdown. He originally signed with the Oklahoma Sooners out of high school. He is a high energy player both on offense and special teams.

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