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Tennessee DB announces defection from program, enters portal
Tennessee Volunteers’ starting DB decides to leave program after two seasons.
KNOXVILLE — Tennessee lost its 15th player to the transfer portal this offseason when starting cornerback Rickey Gibson III announced his plan to enter the NCAA transfer portal, according to multiple reports.
BREAKING: Tennessee starting CB Rickey Gibson tells On3 he plans to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal this spring. https://t.co/5AH7vGlici pic.twitter.com/LuIQo8vKQU
— On3 (@On3sports) February 25, 2025
Gibson played in 12 games last season, registering 32 tackles, two tackles for loss, six pass breakups, and a forced fumble. He played a key role in Tennessee’s stout pass coverage that allowed just 189 yards per game last season which ranked No. 29 nationally.
The Trussville, Ala. product was a 4-star prospect when he signed with the Volunteers during the 2023 recruiting cycle. Gibson was the No. 289 overall prospect, No. 31 among defensive backs and No. 19 player from the state of Alabama, according to 247sports.
The spring transfer portal window opens on April 16 and closes on April 25. FBS teams experienced a busier transfer market in December compared to recent years as 72 teams registered 20 or more defections following the 2024 season.
After making the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff field with an at-large bid, Tennessee hopes to restock and make another run with quarterback Nico Iamaleava and a more experience group. Despite having the No. 11 recruiting class by 247sports, its portal haul hasn’t been nearly impressive ranked No. 89 overall nationally and ranks last among SEC programs.
