Story byAdam Sparks, Knoxville News SentinelFri, January 23, 2026 at 2:45 PM UTC·7 min readTennessee football added 18 players and lost 22 scholarship players via the transfer portal in hopes of improving its 2026 roster. But did the Vols get better or worse?The biggest plus is that they loaded up on defense, where new coordinator Jim Knowles selected players to fit his scheme. The biggest minus is that they didn’t land an established starting quarterback in the portal. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementOffseason workouts, spring practice and player development will determine whether Tennessee upgraded. But let’s take an initial look at each position following UT’s portal transactions. Defensive linePortal losses: DT Josh Schell (UCF), DT Jamal Wallace (Utah), DE Jaydin Lofton (Wisconsin)Portal addition: DT Xavier Gilliam (Penn State)Out of eligibility: DT Bryson Eason, DT Jaxson Moi, DE Dominic Bailey, DE Tyre WestKey returnees: DT Daevin Hobbs, DT Nathan Robinson, DT Ethan Utley, DT Isaiah Campbell, DE Tyree Weathersby, DE Mariyon DyeBetter or worse?: It's potentially worse because of veteran players who graduated.