Transfer Portal Shock: Tennessee’s Rising Star Will Brooks Set to Leave Volunteers…
By Amanda Kerrington | Rocky Top Insider Contributor
KNOXVILLE, TENN. – In a stunning twist that has sent shockwaves through the Tennessee Volunteers’ football program and fanbase, redshirt freshman linebacker Will Brooks has officially entered the NCAA Transfer Portal and is expected to leave the University of Tennessee. The move, which comes just weeks after spring practice concluded, marks a significant loss for a team that had seen Brooks as a key figure in their defensive rebuild under Head Coach Josh Heupel.
Sources close to the program confirm that Brooks entered his name into the portal on Monday morning, citing a desire for “expanded opportunities and a system that better fits his style.” While his destination remains unknown, early speculation links him to several SEC rivals, including South Carolina, Auburn, and Florida State.
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A STAR IN THE MAKING
Will Brooks, a 6’2”, 235-pound linebacker out of Alpharetta, Georgia, came to Tennessee as part of the Volunteers’ top-15 2024 recruiting class. A consensus four-star prospect, Brooks was considered one of the most instinctual defenders in the Southeast. Known for his relentless motor, sideline-to-sideline speed, and high football IQ, Brooks was viewed by many within the program as the heir apparent to senior linebacker Aaron Beasley.
Though he redshirted his freshman year, coaches repeatedly praised Brooks for his maturity and leadership on the scout team. Defensive coordinator Tim Banks noted during fall camp that Brooks was “already playing like a junior” and “destined to be the face of our linebacker room.”
He capped off spring practice in 2025 with a dominant performance in the Orange & White Game, where he recorded seven tackles, two for loss, and a forced fumble. Many analysts had penciled him in as a starter heading into the fall.
Which makes his decision to transfer all the more bewildering.
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A TEAM IN DISBELIEF
Multiple players reacted in disbelief when the news broke. Senior safety Wesley Walker posted a broken heart emoji on X (formerly Twitter), while quarterback Nico Iamaleava shared a photo of himself and Brooks in the locker room, captioned: “Gonna miss you, 44. Wish you nothing but success.”
Inside sources indicate the news caught much of the coaching staff off guard, though it’s been suggested that Brooks had voiced quiet concerns over his role and the defensive scheme in private meetings earlier this spring.
> “Will has always conducted himself with class and professionalism,” Coach Josh Heupel said in a press conference Monday afternoon. “We’re disappointed, sure—but more than anything, we’re grateful for the time he gave to Tennessee. He’ll do great things wherever he lands.”
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A CLOSER LOOK: WHY DID HE LEAVE?
While Brooks hasn’t spoken publicly yet, several factors may have influenced his decision:
Scheme Fit: Under Coach Banks, Tennessee runs a hybrid 4–2–5 defense, which often requires linebackers to cover in space and play lighter. Brooks, a natural downhill thumper, may feel more at home in a more traditional 4–3 setup.
Depth Chart Logjam: With returning starter Elijah Herring and JUCO transfer Demarco Lee both playing well this spring, Brooks may have seen his path to playing time blocked.
NIL Factors: Although unconfirmed, insiders suggest NIL opportunities at other programs may have played a role in his departure. A source close to the Brooks family hinted at “substantial offers” being presented elsewhere.
Family Considerations: Brooks’ younger brother, a high school defensive back, recently received an offer from Florida State, and a family reunion in Tallahassee has not been ruled out.
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THE FALLOUT
Tennessee’s linebacker depth just took a major hit. With Brooks’ departure, the Volunteers lose not only talent but one of their most dynamic young leaders. While the team still returns key players like Herring, Lee, and sophomore Arion Carter, defensive coaches now face increased pressure to solidify the linebacker unit ahead of the 2025 season.
Defensive captain Tyler Baron commented candidly during post-practice media availability:
> “It hurts. Will was a dog. We built chemistry, we trusted him. That said, we’re next man up around here. We’ll keep pushing.”
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WHO’S NEXT?
Brooks’ exit may open the door for incoming freshman D.J. Reese, a five-star linebacker from Texas who enrolled early this spring. Reese has flashed elite potential in limited reps but was expected to be eased in during his first year.
Now, that plan may change.
Linebackers coach Brian Jean-Mary also hinted at possibly shifting hybrid safety Kaleb Beasley into more linebacker-like responsibilities in nickel packages.
Meanwhile, Tennessee’s recruiting team will likely revisit the portal for mid-summer additions. With scholarship space opened by Brooks’ exit, the Vols could target a veteran linebacker to balance out the depth chart.
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WHERE WILL HE LAND?
While no official announcements have been made, several programs are considered early contenders:
Florida State: The favorite, given family ties and a scheme that mirrors Brooks’ strengths.
South Carolina: Shane Beamer’s staff recruited Brooks heavily out of high school.
Auburn: Hugh Freeze has been aggressive in the portal and could offer immediate playing time.
Michigan State: New head coach Jonathan Smith reportedly reached out within hours of Brooks entering the portal.
Recruiting insiders expect a decision within the next two weeks.
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WHAT IT MEANS FOR TENNESSEE
More than anything, this marks a cultural test for Josh Heupel’s Volunteers. Can a team that has climbed back into national relevance—finishing 10–3 in 2024—absorb the loss of one of its most touted players without missing a beat?
The 2025 season already carried sky-high expectations. With Nico Iamaleava returning under center and the offensive weapons locked and loaded, it’s the defense that’s been under the microscope.
Losing Brooks won’t derail the season, but it does raise critical questions about player retention, NIL dynamics, and internal communication. How Tennessee answers those questions may shape the fate of their SEC championship hopes.
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FINAL THOUGHTS
Will Brooks’ departure is not just a transfer—it’s a gut punch to a team that believed it had the building blocks for greatness. But as has been true throughout the long history of Rocky Top, Tennessee finds ways to rise again.
And while Brooks’ chapter in orange may be over, his story in college football is far from finished.
Wherever he lands, fans across Knoxville will be watching—hoping he shines, even in a different shade of jersey.
Rocky Top may say goodbye, but it never forgets.
Vol for life—wherever life takes you, Will.
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