Although Tennessee offensive line coach Glen Elarbee won’t be starting as many games as he had anticipated, the Vols will miss out on a number of offensive line contributors due to the NCAA Transfer Portal. Lance Heard, an offensive lineman for LSU Tigers, is a strong contender to join them as they search the web for another offensive tackle who might be able to get snaps.

In the 2023 signing class, Heard ranked No. 15 in the 247Sports Composite Rankings. The native of Louisiana chose the LSU Tigers over a number of elite programmes in order to play collegiate football at home. Heard looked through his possibilities on the transfer site after spending a season in Baton Rouge.

Over the weekend, he made a quick trip to Knoxville, Tennessee. Heard will now visit the Sooners in Norman, Oklahoma; they have been very supportive of Heard lately. Though Heard’s visit with the Sooners may be the decisive factor, there’s still excitement in the Tennessee building about their chances. He hasn’t set any additional dates, although he may make further visits while he’s in the gateway.

The Vols are still moving in the right direction. They defeated the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Cheez-It Citrous Bowl, one of their nine victories this season. The Vols defeated Iowa 35-0 despite their defence ranking in the top five in many key statistical categories. This was one year after the team finished 11-2 in 2022 and won the Orange Bowl over the Clemson Tigers. The Vols are among the first teams that spring to mind for the 2024 season, with the College Football Playoff Poll now consisting of twelve teams.

Tennessee has been enticing numerous candidates from within the region. The Volunteers have targeted Tennessee in-state talent Jaylen Mosley. Mosley, a 6’1″ and 190-pound 2025 defensive back prospect, attends Jackson, Tennessee’s Jackson Christian High School. He received an offer from Tennessee on March 9th, 2023, and has since made two trips to the Volunteer state. He took the time to update everyone on his recruitment process and any future developments.

Mosley remarks, “My overall recruitment has been pretty good,” in reference to his hiring process. I’ve been reaching out to new coaches and maintaining contact with old ones. It is consistently fortunate. He continues by discussing the universities that have recently been actively courting him. “I would say Alabama, Washington, and Michigan because they were in the playoffs, and of course, Tennessee and I might throw Texas A&M in there,” the 2025 defensive back says. I must include Kentucky as well. There are others, but those are just the ones I’ve been keeping an eye on.