This is the last in a series of looks at the development of coach Josh Heupel's recruiting classes.
Two years ago, Josh Heupel welcomed his fourth recruiting class to Knoxville.
As we conclude our series on where Tennessee's recruits ended up, here is a look at the 2024 class.
Edge rusher Jordan Ross appeared in 11 games during his freshman year, blocking a punt and recovering it for a touchdown against Chattanooga, earning Freshman All-SEC recognition. During his sophomore season, he was part of the LEO rotation and played in 10 contests. Following the season, Ross transferred to LSU.
Offensive tackle Bennett Warren spent two years in Tennessee's reserves and moved to Minnesota for 2026. Running back Peyton Lewis was part of Tennessee's unit on the ground in 2025 but left for Virginia. Defensive back Kaleb Beasley transferred to Louisville for the 2026 season, and defensive back Marcus Goree Jr. hopped in the portal to go to Troy.
Quarterback Jake Merklinger was Tennessee's backup in 2025 but did not get the vote of confidence from the coaching staff, transferring to UConn for playing time. Offensive lineman Max Anderson spent two seasons among the backups and heads north to Kentucky for 2026. Fellow lineman William Satterwhite left for LSU in 2026, and edge rusher Kellen Lindstrom departed the program for Missouri State after two seasons with the Vols.
Safety Boo Carter was on the SEC's All-Freshman Team after a standout season in 2024 in Tennessee's secondary. Things turned sour in 2025, and he was dismissed from the program following Tennessee's win over New Mexico State. He transferred to Colorado for 2026.
Wide receiver Mike Matthews was part of Tennessee's wide receiver rotation as a freshman in 2024 and came into true form in 2025, starting all 12 regular-season games at receiver. He earned 813 receiving yards and four touchdowns from Joey Aguilar in 2025 and returns to Knoxville as a main option for his junior season in 2026. Fellow wide receiver Braylon Staley was a rotational piece in 2025 and moves to 2026 with higher expectations.
After using his redshirt in 2024 with limited playing time, linebacker Edwin Spillman was an SEC All-Freshman selection in 2025 with 81 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and an interception. He returns to the Vols in 2026 ready to step into an even bigger role on Jim Knowles' defense. Fellow linebacker Jordan Burns will look to break into the linebacker rotation after playing special teams in his redshirt freshman season in 2025.
Offensive tackle Jesse Perry will look to take a step forward after starting 11 games on Tennessee's offensive line last season. Tight end Cole Harrison stays with the Vols after playing three games last season, earning one reception. Offensive lineman Jeremias Heard also comes back to Tennessee after the 2025 season.
Safety Edrees Farooq comes back to the Vols after a strong season, looking to reprise his role as a starter with a new defensive coordinator. Offensive lineman Gage Ginther also returns to Tennessee's roster, and Carson Gentle does the same after recording three tackles as a defensive line substitute.