Josh Heupel has been on a mission to fix the issues that plagued them during a disappointing 8-5 season in 2025, which were on the defensive side of the ball. With new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles now calling the shots in Knoxville, the Vols have been aggressively targeting elite players. And their latest addition brings both familiarity with the SEC grind and some serious NFL bloodlines.​

On Tuesday morning, Tennessee officially landed Michigan safety TJ Metcalf.  Metcalf was ranked as the No. 10 safety in the transfer portal by On3. He gives Knowles another versatile weapon in the secondary. TJ Metcalf is the cousin of Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf, a two-time Pro Bowler. The family connection runs deep, as TJ’s father, Tarrus, and DK’s father, Terrence, are brothers who played for Ole Miss together. TJ brings legitimate SEC experience to a Tennessee defense that desperately needs it.​

Metcalf was an absolute workhorse for Michigan’s defense in 2025. He logged a team-high 778 defensive snaps and played multiple positions. He finished the season with 58 tackles, four pass deflections, and one interception. What made him so valuable was his versatility. He lined up at slot/nickel for 426 snaps, in the box for 145 snaps, and at free safety for 122 snaps.  Former Michigan defensive coordinator Wink Martindale praised Metcalf’s “maturity and physical downhill style.” He compared his traits to former first-round pick Calvin Pryor. That flexibility is what Knowles needs for his multiple-personnel defensive schemes.​

Before transferring to Michigan, Metcalf spent two seasons at Arkansas (2023-24), where he totaled 71 tackles, seven pass deflections, and three interceptions across 24 games. His best moment came in 2024 when he recorded four tackles, two interceptions, and a forced fumble against Auburn. He earned SEC Defensive Player of the Week honors for that game. 

Metcalf’s addition continues Tennessee’s impressive showing in the transfer portal, particularly on defense. The Vols have already secured game-changing defensive players. Their portal class includes former Penn State edge rusher Chaz Coleman (the No. 5 overall transfer prospect), linebacker Amare Campbell, and safety Dejuan Lane. 

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“We got to get better, absolutely,” Josh Heupel said following Tennessee’s bowl loss to Illinois. “But there’s a lot of really good, young talent inside of that locker room… Yes, we have to go in the portal and get some guys, too.” By targeting players who already know Knowles’ defensive system from Penn State and adding versatile playmakers like Metcalf, Tennessee is building a defense that can compete with the elite teams in the SEC. And with a Pro Bowl pedigree in the family, Metcalf might just be the type of player who can help the Vols get back to championship contention.​​

Tennessee’s secondary overhaul continues

The timing of Metcalf’s signing tells you everything you need to know about Tennessee’s secondary situation. His addition came less than 12 hours after Vols safety Kaleb Beasley entered the transfer portal on Monday night. After playing in 26 games over two seasons and recording 28 tackles, two pass breakups, and a fumble recovery, Beasley decided it was time to look for a fresh opportunity somewhere else.

Tennessee’s secondary is going to look completely different in 2026. True freshman cornerback Ty Redmond, who burst onto the scene as a starter this past season with 24 tackles, four pass breakups, and an interception, will likely be the only returning starter in the secondary. Everything else is getting rebuilt from scratch under Jim Knowles and new co-defensive coordinator/safeties coach Anthony Poindexter. 

After watching Tennessee’s defense get tormented by ranked opponents down the stretch, Josh Heupel knew he needed to make big changes. A brand new defensive coaching staff, plus an almost entirely revamped secondary, definitely qualifies as big changes. And with guys like Metcalf bringing SEC experience, the Vols are betting this overhaul will get them back to competing for championships.​