The Tennessee Vols Can Still Sign Three Important Transfer Portal Targets for 2025
As the Tennessee Volunteers football program looks toward the 2025 season, head coach Josh Heupel and his staff have an eye on improving their roster through the NCAA Transfer Portal. The portal has become an essential tool for college football programs, offering opportunities to add proven talent and fill positional needs. With the Vols ranked as one of the top teams in the SEC, their goal is clear—continue to build upon their success and compete for a national championship.
The 2025 season holds immense promise for Tennessee, but the Vols are well aware that the competition in the SEC is fierce. While their current roster features an exciting mix of veterans and young talent, there are still positions that need bolstering. Enter the transfer portal, where the Vols have an opportunity to add three key pieces to their squad. These additions could provide immediate impact and help elevate Tennessee’s chances of contending for both an SEC title and a potential playoff berth.
As of now, Tennessee is eyeing three important transfer portal targets, each filling a crucial role for the Vols. These players, who have already displayed impressive talent at their previous programs, would add depth, experience, and versatility to Tennessee’s roster. Here’s a look at each player and what they could bring to the team.
1. Blake Johnson – Quarterback, Transfer from USC
One of the most pressing needs for Tennessee is at the quarterback position. While current starting quarterback, sophomore Ryan Mallett, has shown promise, the Vols are looking to add depth to the position. Enter Blake Johnson, a dual-threat quarterback who previously played at USC under head coach Lincoln Riley. Johnson, a 6’4″, 215-pound signal caller, is a dynamic player who offers a combination of arm strength, mobility, and football IQ that could be exactly what Tennessee needs to take the next step.
Johnson started for USC during the 2023 and 2024 seasons, showcasing his ability to lead an offense in one of the most competitive conferences in the country. In 2024, he threw for 3,200 yards, 27 touchdowns, and just eight interceptions, while also rushing for over 500 yards and eight touchdowns. His athleticism allows him to extend plays with his legs, while his arm strength makes him a dangerous weapon downfield. However, despite his impressive statistics, Johnson entered the transfer portal after USC brought in a five-star freshman quarterback, which made his starting role uncertain.
For Tennessee, adding Johnson would give the team an experienced backup option and potentially an immediate starter, depending on how the quarterback competition plays out in 2025. The Vols’ offense, which thrives on up-tempo play and explosive passing, could benefit greatly from a quarterback with Johnson’s skill set. His ability to make plays both in the pocket and on the move would mesh well with the offensive schemes Heupel has implemented, which emphasize speed and versatility.
“We’ve been looking at quarterbacks who can come in and elevate the competition in our room,” Heupel said in a recent press conference. “Blake is the kind of player who could push Ryan, and we’re excited about the possibility of adding him to our program.”
With Johnson’s experience and proven ability to perform at a high level, he could be the missing piece to help Tennessee reach new heights in 2025.
2. Javon Mitchell – Defensive Lineman, Transfer from Georgia Tech
While Tennessee’s offense has garnered most of the attention under Heupel, the Vols are equally focused on strengthening their defense. The defensive line is a position of concern, and the addition of a transfer like Javon Mitchell from Georgia Tech could be exactly what Tennessee needs. Mitchell, a 6’5″, 280-pound defensive tackle, is a physical presence on the field who excels at both stopping the run and pressuring the quarterback.
Mitchell played three seasons for Georgia Tech, where he quickly established himself as one of the best defensive linemen in the ACC. In 2024, he registered 48 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and six sacks, while also forcing two fumbles. His ability to disrupt the backfield and create havoc on passing plays made him a standout in a tough conference, and scouts have taken notice of his potential.
For Tennessee, adding Mitchell would significantly bolster their defensive line, which has shown flashes of dominance but needs more depth and consistency. The Vols have some young talent on the defensive line, but Mitchell’s experience and leadership could help solidify the unit and provide a veteran presence for the younger players. His combination of size, strength, and technique makes him an ideal fit for Tennessee’s defensive system, which prioritizes pressure on the quarterback and controlling the line of scrimmage.
Mitchell’s ability to generate push up the middle would also help free up Tennessee’s edge rushers, such as sophomore edge rusher Kameron Brown, who has the potential to break out in 2025. The Vols have invested heavily in developing their defensive line, and Mitchell could be the veteran anchor they need to take their defense to the next level.
“We want to be able to dominate in the trenches on both sides of the ball,” defensive coordinator Tim Banks said in a recent interview. “Javon has the kind of physicality and pass-rushing ability that can help us do that.”
With Mitchell in the fold, Tennessee could be poised for a much-improved defense in 2025, one that is capable of stopping the run, generating pressure on opposing quarterbacks, and creating turnovers.
3. Malik Harris – Wide Receiver, Transfer from Oklahoma State
The Tennessee Volunteers’ offense has been one of the most explosive in college football, but the wide receiver room could use a bit more depth, especially with some key players leaving for the NFL. That’s where Malik Harris, a 6’3″, 210-pound wide receiver from Oklahoma State, enters the picture. Harris is a big-bodied, physical receiver who excels at contested catches and can stretch the field vertically. His skill set would fit seamlessly into Tennessee’s high-powered offense, providing the Vols with another dynamic weapon on the outside.
Harris spent the past three seasons at Oklahoma State, where he quickly became one of the top targets in the Cowboys’ passing game. In 2024, he caught 75 passes for 1,200 yards and 10 touchdowns, earning All-Big 12 honors for his performance. His combination of size, speed, and route-running ability made him a difficult matchup for cornerbacks, and his ability to go up and get contested catches made him a go-to target in crucial situations.
For Tennessee, Harris would provide an immediate upgrade to their receiving corps. While the Vols already have talented wide receivers such as junior Cedric Tillman and senior Jalin Hyatt, Harris’ addition would provide depth and create matchup problems for opposing defenses. His size and physicality would be especially beneficial in red-zone situations, where Tennessee has sometimes struggled to convert in the past. Harris’ ability to win jump balls and make tough catches in traffic would add another dimension to Tennessee’s offense, which already has explosive playmakers like Vescovi and freshman tight end Theo Jackson.
“We’re always looking to add guys who can make plays in big moments,” Heupel said. “Malik brings a level of experience and physicality that can complement our other playmakers and give our offense even more versatility.”
With Harris joining the ranks, Tennessee could potentially have one of the most dangerous receiving corps in the country in 2025, one that could give opposing defenses nightmares all season long.
Conclusion: A Promising Future for Tennessee Football
As the Vols continue to evaluate their transfer portal targets, the potential additions of Blake Johnson, Javon Mitchell, and Malik Harris would address key needs for the program in 2025. Each of these players brings something unique to the table—whether it’s a proven quarterback, a dominant force on the defensive line, or a dynamic playmaking wide receiver. Together, they would significantly enhance Tennessee’s chances of not only winning the SEC but also making a serious run at the College Football Playoff.
For head coach Josh Heupel and his staff, the work is far from over. The transfer portal has become a vital component of modern college football, and the Vols are making the most of this opportunity to improve their roster. With these key additions, Tennessee could be poised for a breakout 2025 season, one that could ultimately lead to a national championship.
While the competition in the SEC will always be fierce, Tennessee has positioned itself as one of the top programs in the country. If they can land these three key transfers, the Vols could be even more dangerous, and their hopes for a national title would become even more realistic.