As Tennessee preps for the Music City Bowl, Josh Heupel has plenty of work ahead of him. He is installing a new defense with Jim Knowles, evaluating players for when the portal opens up, and recruiting players on his own roster to stay in Knoxville.
Last season, a defensive lineman, Jayson Jenkins, got away. Jenkins was a 3-star in the 2022 class that the Vols beat out Florida, Pitt, Boston College, and West Virginia for his commitment. He was a nice under the radar find by defensive line coach Rodney Garner and was one of the rare prospects to sign in February,
After the 2024 season, Jenkins decided to leave Tennessee and hit the portal.