Keenan Pili Explains Decision To Return To Tennessee

Tennessee Volunteers linebacker Keenan Pili will return for his final season of eligibility after missing most of the season with an injury.

Tennessee linebacker Keenan Pili met with the media on Monday and explained why he chose to return to the team in 2024. Pili transferred into Knoxville, Tennessee, after a successful career with BYU. The Vols coaching staff expected him to play an impact role for them, and he did against Virginia, flashing on tape.

However, a season-ending tricep injury derailed his season shortly after. Pili had one more season of eligibility left, but the NFL loomed. He decided to return and bolster his odds of getting selected while finishing the business he set out to complete while on Rocky Top.

"Diving into Tennessee, this program, it was really easy for me to say I’d love to come back. Who wouldn’t want to be here for another year? I say it all the time, but I love the coaches here, love the coaching staff, love the culture that was brought here." - Keenan Pili on Tennessee

Tennessee Volunteers LB Keenan Pili during the win over Virginia. (Photo by Caitie McMekin of the News Sentinel)

The offseason is almost underway for Tennessee football. The Vols have concluded the regular season and are now focusing on roster construction for the 2023 season. Volunteer Country has fans covered with all the latest portal entries and NFL Draft declarations. The portal window is from December 4 until January 2. If players don't transfer within that window, they must wait until May following spring practice to enter the transfer portal.

Tennessee's Offseason Player Movement

Former Vols In The Transfer Portal

• Warren Burrell, DB (Georgia Tech)
• Mo Clipper, OL (Charlotte)
• Brandon Turnage, DB
• Jack Luttrell, DB (Arizona)
• Addison Nichols, OL
• Tyler Baron, DL (Ole Miss)
• Doneiko Slaughter, DB (Arkansas)
• De’Shawn Rucker, DB
• Tamarion Mcdonald, DB (Ole Miss)

Transfer Additions

• Holden Staes, Notre Dame TE
• Jakobe Thomas, Middle Tennessee State S

Tennessee's 2024 Recruiting Class

• Jake Merklinger, QB
• Peyton Lewis, RB
• Mike Matthews, WR
• Braylon Staley, WR
• Bennett Warren, OT
• Jesse Perry, OT
• Gage Ginther, OT
• William Satterwhite, OG
• Max Anderson, OG
• Kellen Lindstrom, DE
• Carson Gentle, DE
• Jeremias Heard, DL
• Jordan Ross, EDGE
• Edwin Spillman, ILB
• Jordan Burns, ILB
• Marcus Goree, DB
• Kaleb Beasley, CB
• Boo Carter, S
• Edrees Farooq, S

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