Just like that, Tennessee will trade one former LSU offensive tackle for another. Following the exit of Lance Heard last week, Tennessee has filled that need with Ory Williams, who will also come in from
Baton Rouge.
Williams was on campus yesterday for his visit where things got wrapped up quickly.
The 6-8, 335 pound offensive lineman will enter the equation for Glen Elarbee this fall at right tackle. Tennessee will return four starters up front — Jesse Perry, Wendell Moe, Sam Pendleton and David Sanders, who will kick over to left tackle. Williams will compete for that right tackle spot now, perhaps along with 5-star true freshman Gabriel Osenda. Regardless, at minimum this move makes Tennessee deeper after getting hit with a handful of departures over the past week.
Williams was a 3-star, top 500 overall prospect out of Texas in the class of 2024. He redshirted in 2024 for the Tigers, appearing in only one game. Williams made appearances in 12 games (mainly special teams) for LSU this season, playing on both the right and left side as a reserve. According to PFF, Williams played 74 snaps at left tackle against Arkansas. He played 32 against Alabama at right tackle.
Williams will have three years of eligibility remaining.
He plugs an obvious need for Tennessee, one of only a few on the offensive side of the ball. Tennessee has focused heavily on the defensive side to this point, which continues today on campus with a couple more visits.
