Tennessee's leading tackler from last season Elijah Herring to enter portal

Tennessee is losing its leading tackler from last season to the transfer portal. Monday evening Volunteers linebacker Elijah Herring announced his plans to enter the portal. The junior will have two years of eligibility remaining at his next school.

“I'd like to thank Coach Huepel & the University of Tennessee for the opportunity to play in my home state,” Herring said in a post on X. “I appreciate all the support from the entire staff, my teammates, & fans. I have decided to enter the transfer portal & pursue other college opportunities. Love The Vols!”

Herring started 12 of 13 appearances for Tennessee last season after Keenan Pili suffered a season-ending injury in the season opener against Virginia. Herring went on to lead the team with 79 tackles while also registering four stops for a loss, including 0.5 sacks. The 6-foot-3, 238-pound inside linebacker also tallied a pass breakup and a quarterback hurry.

Herring, a Murfreesboro, Tennessee, native signed with the Volunteers as a three-star recruit in the Class of 2022.

The NCAA spring transfer portal window begins Tuesday and will remain open until April 30.