Makes a lot of sense.
Per multiple reports, Tennessee will host former Notre Dame tight end Holden Staes this weekend for a visit. Staes entered the transfer portal back on December 1st and has two years of eligibility remaining after spending two seasons in South Bend.
Tennessee has a clear need at the position with both Jacob Warren and McCallan Castles exiting the program. That leaves virtually no experience at the tight end spot, with Ethan Davis, Emmanuel Okoye and incoming athlete Jonathan Echols. Adding at least one veteran body here is a must, and Staes would fit the bill.
The 6-4, 242 pound tight end is originally out of the Atlanta area. Staes ranked as a four-star prospect out of high school, landing just inside of 247Sports’ top 300 overall players. He held offers from Georgia, Alabama, Texas, LSU, Penn State and several others coming out of the high school ranks.
Staes saw his first significant playing time during the 2023 season where he caught 15 passes for 176 yards. He found the endzone four times as a sophomore. Interestingly enough, all of Staes’ touchdowns came in the first three weeks of the season. He had a four catch, 115 yard performance against NC State back in September.
Per On3, Staes is set to see Washington, UCLA and Oklahoma after he visits with Tennessee.
Tennessee offered former UConn tight end Justin Joly earlier this week. After initially scheduling a visit with him, Joly announced that his plans had changed and he would not be making the trip to Knoxville. The offer to Staes came shortly after.
Expect business to really pick up here on the portal front over the next several days, along with some NFL decisions to be made.