Tennessee OL Bennett Warren plans to enter NCAA transfer portal

According to On3’s Pete Nakos, Tennessee offensive lineman Bennett Warren plans to enter the NCAA transfer portal. Warren spent two seasons on Rocky Top and received some playing time under head coach Josh Heupel. Now, he will be looking to continue his college career elsewhere.

Warren has 17 games’ worth of experience under his belt. Five of them came during the 2024 season, where the true freshman campaign resulted in a redshirt. The role only grew this past year as some experience came at left tackle.

Now, you have to imagine plenty of other teams are going to come calling for Warren. Someone of his nature does not often enter the transfer portal, being a former highly rated recruit with a decent amount of experience under his belt. Three years of eligibility remaining is certainly a big bonus as well.

Warren played high school football at Sugar Land (TX) Fort Bend Christian Academy, where he was a four-star prospect. He was the No. 135 overall recruit in the 2024 cycle, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Three other schools were considered finalists for Warren during his recruitment. Michigan, Oklahoma, and Tennessee were all in the running before Tennessee ultimately won out. Now, those three have another opportunity to add Warren to their respective rosters if they wish.

Tennessee loses another big-time offensive lineman to NCAA transfer portal

Warren is not the only major name on the Tennessee offensive line to enter the transfer portal on Thursday. Lance Heard is also putting his name out there, leaving Knoxville after a couple of seasons. This will be Heard’s third school in four years after beginning his career at LSU.

“I want to take a moment to thank everyone who has been part of my time at Tennessee. Wearing the Vol orange and white has been an incredible experience, and I’m truly grateful for all the lessons, memories, and growth along the way,” Heard wrote on X. ” To the coaches and staff, my teammates, and all the fans who have shown love and support, thank you.

“Your encouragement has never gone unnoticed. After a lot of thought and prayer, I’ve decided to enter the transfer portal with eligibility remaining, to explore new opportunities and continue developing as a player and as a person. Tennessee will always hold a special place in my journey, and I’m thankful for everything this program has given me.”