The Tennessee Volunteers, led by head coach Josh Heupel, have been making steady strides toward becoming a powerhouse in the SEC once again. With a high-octane offense and a roster stacked with young talent, expectations for the Vols are sky-high heading into the 2024 season. However, every college football program faces unexpected challenges, and Tennessee just encountered a significant setback.

Senior tight end Miles Kitselman recently underwent surgery after suffering a pectoral injury, leaving the Vols with a major hole at the tight end position. With spring practice already underway and the season fast approaching, Tennessee now finds itself in a precarious situation—one that may force Heupel and his staff to turn to the NCAA transfer portal for reinforcements.

A Big Loss for the Tennessee Offense

Miles Kitselman may not have been a household name, but his role in Tennessee’s offense was crucial. The 6-foot-6, 250-pound tight end transferred to Tennessee from Hutchinson Community College in 2022 and was expected to be a key contributor in 2024.

While he wasn’t necessarily a primary receiving threat in Tennessee’s pass-heavy offense, his ability to block and serve as a reliable check-down option made him invaluable. His absence creates both a depth issue and a schematic challenge for the Volunteers.

Tennessee’s offensive system under Heupel is built around tempo, spacing, and explosiveness, but a strong tight end presence is essential to keep defenses honest. Kitselman’s ability to assist in pass protection, run blocking, and short-yardage situations was a critical component of Tennessee’s attack. With him sidelined, the Vols must now scramble to find a viable replacement.

Tennessee’s Tight End Depth: A Cause for Concern?

Before Kitselman’s injury, Tennessee already had questions at tight end following the departure of Jacob Warren and Princeton Fant, both of whom played significant roles last season.

Now, with Kitselman out, the Vols are left with a thin and inexperienced group at the position. Currently, their options include:

• McCallan Castles – The returning starter is expected to be the primary option at tight end, but he can’t do it alone. Castles, a former transfer from UC Davis, has potential but hasn’t proven himself as an elite SEC tight end.
• Ethan Davis – The young redshirt freshman has shown promise, but it’s unclear whether he’s ready for a full-time role.
• Sean Bishop – A walk-on who provides depth but isn’t expected to be a game-changer.

This lack of depth means Heupel has little choice but to explore the transfer portal for a reliable tight end who can contribute immediately.

Why the Transfer Portal is the Best Option for Tennessee

The transfer portal has become a lifeline for teams dealing with unexpected injuries or roster deficiencies. It allows programs to bring in experienced players who can step in and make an impact right away.

For Tennessee, looking at the transfer portal makes perfect sense. There are several reasons why Heupel and his staff should prioritize bringing in a veteran tight end:

1. Experience Matters – The Vols need someone who can step in and play SEC-level football immediately. A freshman or developmental project won’t cut it at this stage.
2. Blocking is Key – With Tennessee’s fast-paced offense, having a tight end who can block effectively is crucial. Without Kitselman, the Vols may struggle in short-yardage and red-zone situations.
3. Injury Insurance – Football is unpredictable. Relying on a small group of unproven tight ends is risky, and the Vols need to protect themselves from further setbacks.

Luckily for Tennessee, the NCAA transfer portal is still filled with potential options who could help fill the gap left by Kitselman’s injury.

Top Transfer Portal Targets for Tennessee at Tight End

If Tennessee is going to make a move, who should they target? While the portal has been picked over by now, a few intriguing names remain available:

1. Arik Gilbert (Former Georgia/Nebraska TE)

Yes, Gilbert has had off-the-field concerns, but there’s no denying his talent. The former five-star recruit has bounced around programs but still possesses the athleticism and upside to be a dominant force. If Tennessee is willing to take a chance, Gilbert could be a game-changing addition.

2. Trey Knox (Former Arkansas/South Carolina TE)

Knox has SEC experience and could fit well in Heupel’s offense. He has the ability to line up as both a traditional tight end and a hybrid receiver, making him an intriguing option.

3. Malachi Jones (Former Appalachian State TE)

Jones is a lesser-known name but has been productive at the Group of Five level. He’s a solid blocker and a capable pass-catcher, making him a good fit for Tennessee’s needs.

4. Erick All (Former Michigan/Iowa TE)

A big-bodied tight end with plenty of experience, All could be a valuable veteran presence in the locker room while providing depth and reliability on the field.

5. Rivaldo Fairweather (Former FIU/Auburn TE)

An underrated option, Fairweather has flashed potential in the SEC and could benefit from Tennessee’s up-tempo offense.

If the Vols are serious about making a playoff push in 2024, they must find a way to address this newfound weakness at tight end.

How This Impacts Tennessee’s 2024 Season

Tennessee is widely expected to be a top-15 team in 2024, with aspirations of competing for an SEC Championship and a spot in the College Football Playoff.

However, in the SEC, every small roster deficiency gets magnified, and tight end is an area where Tennessee cannot afford to be weak.

• If the Vols fail to adequately replace Kitselman, their offense could suffer in key situations, particularly in the red zone.
• The absence of a strong blocking tight end could also impact Tennessee’s ability to establish the run, putting more pressure on quarterback Nico Iamaleava (or whoever wins the starting job).
• In a conference loaded with elite defenses, Tennessee must have a complete offensive attack to compete with the likes of Georgia, Alabama, and LSU.

Simply put, failing to address this issue could be the difference between Tennessee making a serious run at the SEC title or falling short once again.

Final Thoughts: Will Heupel and Tennessee Make a Move?

Josh Heupel has proven himself as one of the best offensive minds in college football, but his ability to adapt and adjust will be tested once again.

Kitselman’s injury is a major setback, but Tennessee still has time to make a move. If the Vols aggressively pursue a transfer portal addition, they can still position themselves as a true contender in the SEC.

With expectations higher than ever, all eyes are on Heupel and his staff to see if they can plug this hole before the season begins. Will they make a move, or will they roll the dice with their current roster? One thing is certain—Tennessee’s 2024 season just got a lot more interesting.