Tennessee Eyes Key Offensive Lineman in Transfer Portal: Will They Land Notre Dame Star?
Tennessee Volunteers are poised to strengthen their offense through the college football transfer portal, with significant developments unfolding as they target a former starter from Notre Dame. Although the portal window has closed for most players, a few exceptions remain for athletes from teams that participated in the College Football Playoff, such as Notre Dame and Ohio State. These players have a five-day window after the national championship game to enter the portal and explore new opportunities.
Tennessee is heavily favored to secure the commitment of Sam Pendleton, an experienced offensive lineman who started the first seven games of the 2024 season for the Fighting Irish at left guard. Pendleton, who comes with a solid reputation and a do-not-contact designation in the portal, has already scheduled an official visit to Knoxville, which signals strong interest from both parties.
Pete Nakos of On3.com, known for his insight into college football recruiting, predicts that Pendleton will likely end up with the Volunteers. Nakos reports that Pendleton, a redshirt freshman, entered the portal on Wednesday morning and immediately arranged a visit to Tennessee for Thursday. With three remaining years of eligibility, Pendleton’s decision could have a long-term impact on Tennessee’s offensive line. The “do-not-contact” tag he entered with is often seen as a sign that a player already knows where they intend to transfer, further suggesting that Tennessee is in a strong position to land him. Additionally, the Vols had shown interest in Pendleton during his high school recruitment, which could strengthen their chances.
Adding a player of Pendleton’s caliber would be a significant coup for Tennessee. A highly-rated recruit in the 2023 class, Pendleton was considered one of the top 100 prospects and ranked among the best interior offensive linemen in the nation. His experience playing in Notre Dame’s robust system, including a College Football Playoff appearance, adds further value to his profile. Should Tennessee secure his commitment, the Vols will not only gain a talented and seasoned player but also further bolster their chances of competing at the highest level in the coming seasons.
Pendleton’s addition would be particularly impactful for Tennessee’s offensive line, which could benefit from his proven abilities and experience in high-pressure games. Given his strong performance at Notre Dame and his high school pedigree, Pendleton has the potential to become a key contributor for the Volunteers, enhancing their offensive line depth and providing leadership for the years ahead. For Tennessee, landing a player like Pendleton could help solidify their standing as one of the premier programs in college football, particularly in an era where the transfer portal has become an essential tool for roster building.
