In a significant development for college football, promising defensive end Chaz Coleman has transferred from Penn State to the University of Tennessee. This move comes after Coleman, an On3 True Freshman Midseason All-American, decided to enter the transfer portal, seeking new opportunities despite his previous team's strong efforts to keep him. His arrival is expected to bolster Tennessee's defense as they look to rebound from a mixed season and aim for a return to national prominence.
Star Defensive End Chaz Coleman Joins Tennessee Volunteers Under Josh Heupel
Knoxville, Tennessee \u2013 The University of Tennessee's football program has announced a major acquisition with the commitment of freshman transfer defensive end Chaz Coleman. Coleman, who previously played for Penn State, was a highly-touted recruit and an On3 True Freshman Midseason All-American, making his decision a significant talking point in collegiate athletics. Coach Matt Campbell, newly appointed at Penn State, had prioritized retaining Coleman, with the Nittany Lions reportedly willing to make substantial offers. However, Coleman ultimately chose to explore the transfer portal and committed to the Tennessee Volunteers, where he will play under Head Coach Josh Heupel and defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, who previously coached Coleman at Penn State.
During his time at Penn State, Coleman participated in nine games, demonstrating his potential with eight tackles, three tackles for loss (TFL), one sack, and two fumble recoveries, along with one forced fumble. His performance quickly positioned him as the No. 3 ranked player and the No. 1 ranked EDGE rusher in the Transfer Portal by On3. Before his collegiate career, Coleman was recognized as a four-star prospect and the 203rd overall player in the 2025 class, according to the On3 Consensus. He was also the 25th-ranked EDGE rusher in his class and the 8th overall player from Ohio, hailing from Warren G Harding High School.
Coleman's former Penn State teammate, linebacker Dom DeLuca, had high praise for him, stating, "The sky's the limit for that guy... He's a really quiet kid. The guy is just a freak athlete. Everything he does is 100 miles per hour and just getting to the ball as fast as he could. He's going to be a major part of what we do moving forward."
Tennessee's decision to bring in Coleman signals a clear intent to strengthen their defensive line. The Volunteers concluded the past season with an 8-5 record, a slight disappointment after aspirations for a second consecutive College Football Playoff appearance. Coach Heupel acknowledged the need for improvement after a 30-28 loss to Illinois in the Music City Bowl, emphasizing the presence of young talent within the team and the importance of recruiting through the transfer portal. With the addition of Coleman and the strategic leadership of Coach Knowles, Tennessee aims to build a more formidable squad for the upcoming season, hoping to return to elite competition.
This transfer underscores the dynamic nature of modern college football, where player movement through the transfer portal can significantly impact a team's fortunes. For Tennessee, securing a talent like Chaz Coleman could be a cornerstone in their efforts to build a competitive roster capable of contending for top honors. His presence is expected to energize the team and provide a much-needed boost to their defensive capabilities, offering a fresh start and renewed hope for the Volunteers' faithful.