examining two players that Tennessee football needs to focus on in the transfer portal in order to succeed in 2024.
In 2022, Tennessee football might have made the playoffs if Hendon Hooker hadn’t torn his ACL. With 525.5 offensive yards per game, the Vols led the nation in both scoring and offensive yardage. They were also the nation’s best scorers per game with 46.2. However, the Vols somewhat regressed in the previous campaign.
The loss of Hooker and top receivers Jalin Hyatt and Cedric Tillman to the NFL caused a significant decline in Tennessee’s offensive output. Their average point total dropped from 46.2 to 31.5 per game. On offence, they also had an average of almost 70 fewer yards per game. While an 8-4 season isn’t insignificant, it’s not nearly as good as Tennesee’s 11-2 season from 2022.
Tennessee will need to make a significant impact on the transfer portal if they hope to reclaim their top spot in the SEC and make the playoffs. They’ve done this before with success, so all they need to do now is aim at Hendon Hooker, whom the Vols acquired through the portal from Virginia Tech. Players find Tennessee to be a desirable location within the portal. So, the question is: who on the Vols team should they get from the portal to support them?
Quarterback, DJ Uiagalelei
Why not attempt a third shade of orange, since DJ Uiagalelei has already tried two? After Trevor Lawrence left for the NFL, Uiagalelei was expected to follow in his father’s footsteps as the next great Clemson quarterback. But with Uiagelelei at Clemson, it never really clicked.
In his first season as a starter at Clemson, he threw for ten more interceptions than touchdowns (nine). Although he had a much better season in 2022—possibly the best of his career thus far—he was ultimately benched in favour of current Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik.
Even after moving to Oregon State, Uiagelelei didn’t exactly move forward. Although he did record career highs in passing yards (2,638) and yards per attempt (8.4), he only completed 57.1% of the passes that were attempted. Despite having a very strong season (8-4 overall), Oregon State fell short of the preseason goals they set for themselves.
Once again, Uiagalelei is in the portal, and Tennessee football may be the ideal place for him. Hendon Hooker, who was brought in via the portal from Virginia Tech, gave Tennessee’s quarterbacking situation a boost.
Joe Milton, another quarterback acquired through the portal from Michigan, is no longer eligible. Uiagelelei might make an interesting and enjoyable addition to Josh Huepel’s system. Tennessee ought to pursue him.
Wide Receiver Tobias Merriweather
Football in Tennessee could also use a wide receiver. The Vols didn’t really have a receiver step up in their absence after losing Jalin Hyatt and Cedric Tillman to the NFL. Hyatt had a 2022 season that included 67 receptions for 1,267 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Squirrel White led their receivers in receiving yards with 764 yards. With 64 receptions, White also had the most on the team. White played well for the Vols the previous season, but as the team’s top receiver, he might have been overworked.
