Josh Heupel details Tennessee’s plan for spring transfer window
Tennessee’s offseason roster changes are far from over. On Saturday, Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel revealed what he expects for the program in the transfer portal’s spring window.
“At the end of the day, you’re trying to make your roster as good as it can be,” Heupel said. “We’re going through that process, having exit meetings with our own players.
“I think the culture piece is extremely important in particular at this time of the year because there’s not a lot of time with them before you get to training camp. It’s got to be mature guys that you’re bringing into your program.”
The spring transfer portal will officially open for underclassmen on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, and close on Tuesday, April 30, 2024. This means players have just 15 days to enter. For graduate transfers, the window is extended to May 1, 2024.
Tennessee has lost 11 players thus far in the offseason while adding eight. The team lost one four-star prospect while adding two. The Volunteers’ additions are headlined by former LSU offensive tackle Zalance Heard and Notre Dame tight end Holden Staes.
Tennessee currently sits at No. 48 in On3’s Transfer Portal Team Rankings. Despite Tennessee’s exciting transfer additions, all eyes were on returning quarterback Nico Iamaleava at the program’s Orange and White Game on Saturday.
Nico Iamaleava wows fans at Orange & White Game
Iamaleava didn’t disappoint, showing off his growth from last season. After the exhibition, Iamaleava evaluated his own performance.
“Obviously, I think I’ve got more of a grasp of the offense, what we’re trying to do,” Iamaleava said. “Just coming to this year, preparing the way that we’ve been preparing with our whole QB room, me and Gaston, and continuing to work every day. Yeah, man, I think that’s been our whole mindset this year.”
Heupel was thrilled with Iamaleava’s showing.
“There’s so much growth, like, from any quarterback as they go through the early stages of learning what it takes to play college football,” Heupel said. “How intentional, how much time he spends inside of the building, which leads to the understanding of what we’re doing offensively. Understanding the why behind it is really important for players, as well.
“Got really good command. He does a great job being intentional in a leadership role, communication role, in one-on-one situations. Gonna have to continue to grow as a leader inside of our program as he goes through his career. That’s typical of every young quarterback.”