Tennessee Lands Mid-Major Safety In Portal

Middle Tennessee State safety Jakobe Thomas had many suitors after entering the transfer portal but chose the Tennessee Volunteers.

Things got off to a slow start for the Vols in the transfer portal, but as we've said, every program will have its highs and lows in the portal during each cycle. Tennessee landed the No. 1 tight end in the transfer portal on Thursday, former Notre Dame pass catcher Holden Staes. They followed that up with a commitment from former Middle Tennessee State safety Jakobe Thomas, the No. 10 ranked safety in the portal.

Thomas logged 108 tackles and four interceptions across two seasons with MTSU. He has two years of eligibility remaining.

Tennessee Volunteers S Jakobe Thomas blocking an extra point for Middle Tennessee State. (Photo by Helen Comer of The Daily News Journal)

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
• 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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