The Tennessee Volunteers have listed defensive EDGE Chaz Coleman as one of the transfer portal players with the most to prove in the 2026 college football season. With the offseason transfer portal drama seemingly settled, teams nationwide are shifting their focus to preparing their rosters for the upcoming season. However, while many players” destinations are now clear, some still face uncertainty regarding their performance capabilities.
According to CBS Sports, Coleman is highlighted as a player with significant expectations. “Jim Knowles and his coaching staff had plenty of praise for Coleman as a freshman. He even drew comparisons to former first-round pick and Nittany Lions star Abdul Carter,” wrote CBS Sports” Will Backus. “The production wasn”t necessarily there, though. He had just one sack in five appearances. Coleman has a lot to live up to at Tennessee, which really needs him to quickly reach his full potential.”
After transferring to the Volunteers this offseason, Coleman joins a group of 21 new transfers for the team. His freshman season with the Penn State Nittany Lions saw limited impact, as he recorded only six total tackles and one sack across five games.
Despite his underwhelming performance as a true freshman, Coleman was highly sought after in the transfer portal, and his decision to play for the Volunteers could significantly influence the team”s success this year. The Volunteers are looking to bounce back in 2026 after a disappointing previous season, where they suffered four regular season losses and missed out on the College Football Playoff.
Head coach Josh Heupel and his staff are determined to achieve different results this season and have taken necessary steps to reach that objective. If Coleman can fulfill his potential and deliver a standout performance, Tennessee could develop a formidable defense within the SEC and potentially secure a return to the College Football Playoff.
Coleman is set to make his debut with the Volunteers on Saturday, September 5, when they host the Furman Paladins in Knoxville for their season opener. A kickoff time and broadcasting network for this matchup have yet to be announced.
