The defensive line in Knoxville has been hit hard by attrition, as Tennessee has lost a significant number of players across the position since the portal opened. Joshua Josephs is off to the NFL Draft after putting up a stellar 2025. Two guys are expected to compete for his job at LEO, Caleb Herring and Jordan Ross, both of whom entered the Transfer Portal.
One of the main priorities for Josh Heupel and defensive coordinator Jim Knowles moving forward is to add difference-makers across the defensive line. The middle of the defense struggled in 2025.