Tennessee Volunteers Transfer Portal: Ranking the top five players who've left Josh Heupel's program

The Tennessee Volunteers had a strong season as they finished the regular season with a 10-2 record, including a 6-2 mark in SEC play. While they were able to earn the No.8 seed in the first year of the 12-team College Football Playoff, their season came to an unceremonious end as they were blown out by the Ohio State Buckeyes in the opening round, losing 42-17.

Despite the embarrassing loss to bring the year to an end, the Volunteers season was largely successful as they were able to reach the postseason for the first time since its inception in 2014. With the transfer portal now open, several players have announced their intention to change programs.

Here's a closer look at the top five Tennessee players who were among that group.

Top 5 Tennessee Volunteers transfer portal departures

#1, Cameron Seldon, Running Back

Cameron Seldon joined the Volunteers as a four-star prospect in the 2023 recruiting class. He appeared in 19 games, recording 224 rushing yards and one touchdown on 48 carries. Seldon also returned six kickoffs for 113 yards. He announced his decision to enter the transfer portal on Dec. 22.

#2. Chas Nimrod, Wide Receiver

Chas Nimrod joined the Volunteers as a three-star prospect in the 2022 recruiting class. He appeared in 27 games, recording 29 receptions for 315 yards and one touchdown. Nimrod announced his decision to enter the transfer portal on Dec. 11.

#3. Jayson Jenkins, Edge Rusher

Jayson Jenkins joined Tennessee as a three-star prospect in the 2022 recruiting class. He appeared in 20 games, recording 15 total tackles, seven of which were solo tackles, 5.0 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks and one forced fumble. Jenkins announced his decision to enter the transfer portal on Dec. 23.

#4. Jalen Smith, Linebacker

Jalen Smith joined Tennessee as a three-star prospect in the 2023 recruiting class. He appeared in 17 games, recording 38 total tackles, 16 of which were solo tackles and 2.0 tackles for loss. Smith announced his decision to enter the transfer portal on Dec. 10 and committed to join the Mississippi State Bulldogs on Dec. 19.

#5. Christian Harrison, Safety

Christian Harrison joined the Volunteers as a three-star prospect in the 2022 recruiting class. He has appeared in 25 games, recording 31 total tackles, 19 of which were solo tackles, 4.0 tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks and one pass defended. He announced his decision to enter the transfer portal on Dec. 22.