Tennessee left tackle Lance Heard was set to choose between the NFL and a return to Knoxville — at least that was the thought. Instead he ended up hitting the transfer portal to explore other options.
The Volunteers have former 5-star prospect David Sanders ready to roll and kick over to the left side, which likely played into Heard’s decision.
Sanders, a more dynamic athlete, is more of a natural fit on the left side. Tennessee has a few options now on the right side, starting with Jesse Perry, who filled in for Sanders early in the year. Perry kicked inside to guard when Sanders returned, so Tennessee could be in the market for a starting right tackle for the 2026 season.
According to the visit lists that are leaking out, it certainly seems that way. Three names have emerged as options for Tennessee up front and more could follow. Here’s what we know at this point.
LSU offensive tackle Ory Williams has already visited Tennessee, according to VolQuest. Just a redshirt freshman, Williams will have three years remaining in college football. The 6-8, 235 pounder has experience at both guard and tackle, appearing in 12 games for the Tigers this year.
Delaware offensive tackle Anwar O’Neal is expected to visit in the next few days, according to multiple reports. The 6-5, 305 pound tackle is a two-year starter for Delaware at left tackle. O’Neal would have two years of eligibility remaining.
Oregon State offensive guard Dylan Sikorski will visit a trio of SEC schools, per 247Sports. Tennessee is one of them, along with Missouri and Arkansas. Sikorski checks in at 6-4, 332 pounds and is coming off of his redshirt freshman season. He should have three years left to play, just like Ory Williams.
Keep in mind that these situations are always extremely fluid and things could change in an instant.
Tennessee should return four starters up front next season — David Sanders, Wendell Moe, Sam Pendleton and Jesse Perry. Which direction they go here in the portal should tell us their future plan for Perry.
