Staes played just one season in Knoxville.
Tennessee will lose a veteran piece out of the tight end room this offseason. Holden Staes, who joined the program last season after transferring out of Notre Dame, will once again be seeking a new home.
BREAKING: Tennessee TE Holden Staes plans to enter the Transfer Portal, he tells @on3sports
The 6’4 250 TE has totaled 31 Receptions for 318 yards & 5 TDs through 3 seasons
Will have 1 year of eligibility remaining https://t.co/RlUbB6Fk7q pic.twitter.com/2OnPtnbnZZ
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) December 26, 2024
Staes was expected to be the top tight end for Tennessee this season, but the emergence of Alabama transfer Miles Kitselman cut into his playing time. Staes ended up catching 15 passes for 131 yards on the season, scoring one touchdown.
Kitselman has a chance to return for another season, while Ethan Davis is expected back for his redshirt sophomore season. Davis caught 13 passes for 100 yards and two touchdowns, while Kitselman hauled in 22 passes for 301 yards and four scores.
Tennessee will also add one of the best tight end classes in the country. Four-star prospects Da’Saahn Brame and Jack Van Dorselaer have entered the equation and will provide depth heading into 2025.
Staes, originally out of the Atlanta area, will have one season of eligibility remaining when he arrives at this third school.