Josh Schell, a defensive lineman who spent a brief period with the University of Tennessee's football program, has declared his intention to enter the transfer portal. This decision comes after his single season with the Volunteers in 2025, where he made one tackle across 13 games, primarily contributing on special teams. Schell's journey at Tennessee followed a three-season tenure at Grand Valley State, including a redshirt year, and he now looks to continue his collegiate career elsewhere with one year of eligibility left.
Tennessee Defensive Lineman Josh Schell Seeks New Horizons
Knoxville, Tennessee - In a significant development for the University of Tennessee football program, defensive lineman Josh Schell officially announced his entry into the transfer portal on January 6, 2026. Schell's departure marks the end of his short but active stint with the Volunteers, having transferred from Grand Valley State in April prior to the 2025 season.
During his time at Tennessee, the 6-foot-4, 265-pound athlete from Camden, New Jersey, saw action in all 13 games of the 2025 season. Despite his consistent presence on the field, Schell's contributions were largely confined to special teams, accumulating just one tackle and struggling to break into the main defensive line rotation. His prior collegiate experience at Grand Valley State included a redshirt year and three competitive seasons, highlighted by a notable 2024 performance where he recorded 35 tackles, three tackles for loss, two sacks, six pass breakups, three quarterback hurries, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. Beyond the gridiron, Schell also showcased his athletic versatility as a pitcher for Grand Valley State's baseball team in 2023. With one year of eligibility still available, Schell's decision to enter the transfer portal opens the door for him to pursue new opportunities and a more prominent role at another institution.
The movement of players like Josh Schell in and out of the transfer portal is a vivid illustration of the evolving landscape of collegiate athletics. It underscores the dynamic nature of team rosters and the individual pursuit of playing time and development. While departures can pose challenges for programs, they also create opportunities for new talent to emerge and for athletes to find environments where they can thrive. This constant ebb and flow demands adaptability from both players and coaching staffs, highlighting the competitive spirit and strategic planning inherent in college sports today.