A big pickup.
As expected when he entered the transfer portal with a non-contact tag, former Notre Dame offensive lineman Sam Pendleton has committed to Tennessee. His decision to come to Knoxville comes under a week after playing in the National Championship with the Fighting Irish.
Pendleton announced his decision via X on Friday morning.
What a great ride I’ve had over the last two years! As I step into this next chapter I am so grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given. I would like to thank Coach Heupel and his staff for being so welcoming. Let’s get to work! Go Vols! #lookatGod#GBO pic.twitter.com/kPkgINd5lt
— Sam Pendleton (@SamPendleton7) January 24, 2025
Pendleton was on campus on Thursday shortly after entering the transfer portal, and things came together quickly. He will have three years of eligibility remaining, making this a significant get for Josh Heupel and company.
Pendleton started the first seven games for Notre Dame before going back to the bench after a previous starter came back healthy. The class of 2023 recruit is a former four-star prospect out of North Carolina. Tennessee was involved in his recruitment back then, and they end up getting him now during a time of need.
Tennessee’s offensive line rebuild appears complete following the exit of Cooper Mays, Javontez Spraggins and John Campbell. The Vols have now landed guards Wendell Moe and Sam Pendleton to go along with returning tackle Lance Heard and incoming five-star tackle David Sanders. William Satterwhite would seem to be the favorite to take over at center.
There’s plenty of competitive depth too, which Tennessee will be looking to develop during the spring period. Guys like Satterwhite, Shamurad Umarov, Bennett Warren, Larry Johnson, Max Perry and others will all have a chance to push for jobs this offseason. Either way, Tennessee is known to have a rotation up front, so several guys will get time next fall.
Tennessee still has a need at receiver and potentially cornerback, but those may have to wait until the spring period.