Tennessee football faces a significant setback as edge rusher Jordan Ross has entered the transfer portal. This move potentially alters the Vols’ defensive lineup for the upcoming seasons.
Key Player Details
Jordan Ross, a former five-star recruit, has been an integral part of the team during his two seasons in Knoxville. His decision to transfer leaves a void in the Vols’ LEO (Linebacker/Edge Rusher Outside) room.
- Name: Jordan Ross
- Position: Edge Rusher
- Seasons at Tennessee: 2
- Games Played: 11
- Tackles: 23
- Tackles for Loss: 3.5
- Sacks: 1.5
- Performance Grade: 78.2 (PFF)
Impact on the Tennessee Roster
The Vols are experiencing an influx of player departures. With Joshua Josephs moving on to the NFL and Caleb Herring already in the transfer portal, the team is left without any of its previous edge rushers from last season.
The current edge-rushing lineup for Tennessee now includes:
- Redshirt freshman Christian Gass
- True freshmen Zach Groves
- True freshmen Hezekiah Harris
- True freshmen CJ Edwards
- Reserve redshirt senior Mike Bethea II
This lineup reflects a significant shift as the team attempts to rebuild.
Jordan Ross’s Career Highlights
During his time at Tennessee, Ross showcased his potential, especially in his first season. He played primarily special teams, earning accolades such as a spot on the 2024 Freshman All-SEC Team.
In his sophomore year, he recorded impressive stats, including:
- Three tackles in his freshman year
- One touchdown from a blocked punt
- Flashes of elite talent during both seasons
Looking Ahead
The departure of Jordan Ross raises questions about Tennessee’s defense. As they look to fill the gap left by this talented edge rusher, the team is actively seeking new prospects.
So far, Tennessee has explored options in the portal, including notable players like Chaz Coleman from Penn State. However, they have yet to secure any new commitments.
With several key players leaving, the Vols must adapt and strengthen their roster to stay competitive in the upcoming seasons.
