Top Tennessee players who've entered the transfer portal ahead of Citrus Bowl against Iowa

The No. 25 Tennessee Volunteers had a rather mediocre season in 2023, with a record of 8-4 (4-4 in the SEC). This was especially mediocre after the Volunteers flirted with the CFP in 2022, got their first 11-win season since 2001, and managed to climb to the top of the AP Poll for a brief period.

The 2023 season cannot be called anything better than a case of diminishing returns if not an abject failure. The biggest failure came early on, in Week 2 when they were stunned in Gainsville by the Florida Gators 29-16.

Tennessee still has a chance to close the season on a positive note, as it will face the No. 20 Iowa Hawkeyes in the Citrus Bowl on Jan. 1. Ahead of the game, a number of players entered the transfer portal.

Top Tennessee players in the transfer portal

#1. Tyler Baron - EDGE

The Ole Miss Rebels have scooped up senior Tyler Baron, who recorded 16 solo tackles and six sacks in 2023 for the Volunteers. He was a four-star recruit by the Vols in 2020, and 247 Sports still considers him a four-star transfer candidate for the 2024 season.

#2. Addison Nichols - OL

The 6'5", 327 pounds offensive lineman has decided to leave Knoxville for Fayetteville. Nichols, who was considered a three-star transferee by 247 Sports, has already committed to the Arkansas Razorbacks for next year. When initially recruited in 2021, he was considered a four-star recruit.

#3. Doneiko Slaughter - S

Slaughter is another player leaving for Arkansas. In 2023 he had 32 tackles, 26 solo, and one sack. The three-star transfer is a senior who initially joined Tennessee for the 2020 season and has one year left of eligibility.

Tennessee players in the transfer portal

• Tyler Baron- EDGE
• Addison Nichols- OL
• Doneiko Slaughter- S
• Wesley Walker- WR
• Jack Lutrell- S
• Tamarion McDonald- S
• Maurice Clipper Jr.- OL
• De'Shawn Rucker- S
• Warren Burrel- CB
• Brandon Turnage- S
• Mekhi Bigelow- LB