Sunday’s Big Moves in the Transfer Portal

The transfer portal continues to be a hotbed of activity, and this past Sunday was no exception. Tennessee made three significant moves, while a national champion defensive lineman found his new home. Although the portal is closing for most players and February is just around the corner, there’s still plenty of movement to track. Here are five major transfers that took place on Sunday.

Hosea Wheeler to Baylor

Hosea Wheeler, who played as a defensive tackle for Indiana after spending three seasons at Western Kentucky and one season at a junior college, is set to make a move to Baylor. His eligibility status is still uncertain, but he’s expected to gain an additional year through legal proceedings and will spend it at Baylor.

Wheeler recorded 31 tackles, including four tackles for loss and two fumble recoveries during the 2025 season at Indiana. At 6’3″ and 300 pounds, the defensive tackle is expected to see a lot of action at Baylor in 2026.

Ian Duarte to Tennessee

Ian Duarte might not be a household name, but the Idaho State receiver could become a player to watch for the Tennessee Volunteers. Over two years at FCS Idaho State, the 5’10” Duarte caught 93 passes for 925 yards. He also had experience in the return game.

Duarte, originally from Idaho, may have not received as much attention from larger programs due to his background. However, a speedy slot receiver with experience should fit well in Tennessee’s offense for his remaining two years of eligibility.

Drake Martinez to Tennessee

Tennessee added multiple commitments on Sunday, and Drake Martinez is another intriguing addition. Martinez has had a varied college journey, starting at Colorado State before moving to McNeese State, Houston Christian, and Tennessee-Martin.

At 6’3″ and 240 pounds, the senior caught 18 passes for 124 yards in the 2025 season. Tennessee is continuing to bolster its receiving options, and Martinez’s strength at 240 pounds makes him a capable blocker as well. He has one year of eligibility left.

Jadais Richard to Tennessee

While Tennessee targeted the FCS level for some of its commits, the Vols also added a defensive back from Miami. Jadais Richard spent a year at Vanderbilt and three at Miami. He was making progress in 2024 before suffering a season-ending injury. In nine games that year, he recorded 27 tackles and broke up three passes, including an interception.

Richard ended up redshirting in 2025, so he has a season of eligibility remaining and is expected to help strengthen Tennessee’s secondary in 2026.

AJ Newberry to Oregon State

AJ Newberry spent three seasons at Vanderbilt, but his playing time decreased in 2025 after a promising 2024 season. He is now heading to Oregon State. As a running back, Newberry accumulated 338 rushing yards and six touchdowns at Vanderbilt, along with two more touchdowns as a receiver.

In 2024, he scored five touchdowns, showing potential, but only got 18 carries in 2025. With Oregon State’s top running back, Anthony Hankerson, graduating, Newberry should join the rotation immediately and get more snaps in 2026.

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