It was recently announced that Tennessee running back Peyton Lewis would be entering the transfer portal.
Lewis didn’t have a huge role for the Vols in 2025. The running back took 70 carries for 290 yards
and seven touchdowns on the season while being behind DeSean Bishop and Star Thomas in the pecking order.
However, Lewis leaving makes the running back room even thinner for 2026. Thomas is out of eligibility, so with Lewis leaving, the team is left with Bishop, Daune Morris, and Justin Baker. Josh Heupel also did not sign a running back in the 2026 recruiting class, so there’s no incoming star freshman either.
As a result, the Vols probably need to hit the transfer portal for another depth piece at the very least. Fortunately, there should be plenty of quality options when the portal officially opens on January 2nd.
Today, let’s identify four running backs the Vols should target in the portal.
Sutton Smith, Memphis
The Vols may not have to leave the state to find a capable complement to Bishop. Sutton Smith announced his intention to enter the portal after his usage shockingly tailed off near the end of the season with Memphis.
Whenever Smith got the ball, though, he made plays. The Memphis product rushed 102 times for 669 yards and seven touchdowns in 2025, and also caught 20 passes for 109 yards. Smith was even a weapon in the return game, and had a 99-yard kick return touchdown.
Smith has one year of eligibility remaining and could be a nice change of pace back behind Bishop.
Trequan Jones, Old Dominion
Trequan Jones is a name many likely aren’t familiar with. The speedy running back played for Old Dominion in 2025, and wasn’t exaclty a huge part of the offense. Jones ended the season with 105 carries for 792 yards, and his 7.5 yards per carry average ranked 2nd in the FBS.
Jones could excell on a team that runs the ball well like the Vols. Like Sutton Smith, Jones is a smaller, shifty back who would be a nice change of pace behind Bishop. Jones can also catch passes and return if needed.
Jones enters the portal with one year of eligibility remaining.
Jahiem White, West Virginia
Jahiem White had 840+ yards in both 2023 and 2024, so there were big expectations for him in 2025. However, the running was limited to just two games this season, and as a result, is looking to rebuild his value.
White has a history of production in a power conference, so he could have his eyes set on a starting role. Although, coming off a serious injury, the running back may be better off going somewhere like Tennessee where he wouldn’t be expected to shoulder the entire load.
Like Smith and Jones, White is a shifty back who can contribute in multiple phases. The running back has two years of eligibility remaining.
Makhi Frazier, Michigan State
Finally, we have Makhi Frazier, who enters the portal after spending his first two seasons with Michigan State. Frazier rushed 116 times for 520 yards and two touchdowns for the Spartans in 2025.
The running back can catch some passes and holds his own as a pass blocker as well. Unlike the other running backs on the list, Frazier is more of a bruiser and could spell Bishop in short yardage or goal line situations.
Frazier has two seasons of eligibility remaining, so he wouldn’t necessarily be a rental.
