Tennessee football has found some of its biggest stars through the transfer portal.
After losing 25 players to the portal this past year, the Vols have bounced back by looking for quality over quantity. Seven new players were brought in this year through the transfer portal. Now that we are five weeks into the college football season, it is becoming clear which of these will be difference makers for the Vols.
These are the five transfers who have made an immediate impact for Tennessee.
Quarterback Joey Aguilar
Joey Aguilar (6) leads Tennessee past Mississippi State at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025.
Joey Aguilar’s early impact for the Vols cannot be understated. Since winning the starting job in August, Aguilar has become an integral part of Tennessee football’s success.
Aguilar entered Week 6 ranked sixth in the FBS in pass yards with 1,459 and tied for fourth in touchdown passes with 13. His deep ball ability has led to multiple 50-yard-plus touchdowns, and he has quickly become a standout player for the Vols.
Aguilar transferred to UCLA at the end of last season after playing for Appalachian State. He made his final move to Tennessee in April.
Cornerback Colton Hood
Colton Hood (8) returns an interception during a game against Mississippi State at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025.
Colton Hood committed to Tennessee in May after spending last season at Colorado. Hood has made an instant impact as a defensive player for the Vols. He has five pass deflections, an interception, a fumble recovery and 19 total tackles in just five games.
Hood scored on both turnovers with a scoop-and-score against Syracuse and a pick-six against Mississippi State. The return against Syracuse led to Hood being named SEC Co-Defensive Player of the Week.
Running back Star Thomas
Star Thomas (9) takes the field for a game against Mississippi State at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025.
Star Thomas has wasted no time becoming one of the main rushing threats for Tennessee. The former Duke Blue Devil leads the Vols in carries with 52 while averaging 5.9 yards per carry.
Thomas has racked up 358 total yards and six total touchdowns. He burst onto the scene for the Vols in Week 2 with his three-touchdown performance against ETSU.
Center Sam Pendleton
Sam Pendleton (56) pass blocks during a game against Mississippi State at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025.
Sam Pendleton has started for the Vols at center in every game this season. Through these five games, he has proven to be a force on the offensive line.
Pendleton was on the field for all 70 offensive plays against Georgia and did not allow a single sack or hit. This success has given way to an offense that is averaging 536.4 yards per game.
Pendleton played in all 13 games last season for Notre Dame, with his starts coming at left guard before making the switch to center at Tennessee.
Right Guard Wendell Moe Jr.
Wendell Moe Jr. (75) anticipates the snap during a game against Mississippi State at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025.
Former Arizona offensive lineman Wendell Moe Jr. has been paired alongside Pendleton at right guard this season for the Vols. He is another guy who has made an immediate impact at Tennessee and has started every game this season.
Moe has been a brick wall upfront for the Vols and has been a major factor in Aguilar only being sacked three times on the year, and the offense averaging 199.2 rushing yards per game.
