Recruiting analyst makes bold transfer portal prediction for the Tennessee Vols

A national recruiting analyst made a big transfer portal prediction for the Tennessee Vols this week. 

Mike Farrell of MikeFarrellSports.com (previously of Rivals.com), predicted that Tennessee will land Ohio State Buckeyes transfer running back Dallan Hayden. 

Hayden, the son of former Vols running back Aaron Hayden, entered the portal earlier this week. 

Farrell wrote in a fact or fiction column this week that he believes it's a "fact" that Hayden will end up at Tennessee, though he cautioned that his prediction is "just a guess". 

From MikeFarrellSports.com: This is just a guess but his dad played there, he’s from there and he’s shown flashes of high level talent over that last two years. The Vols would be smart to add him with some losses at RB.

Hayden is a former four-star recruit from Memphis who signed with Ohio State during the 2022 recruiting cycle. He had a big true freshman season in Columbus, rushing for 553 yards and five touchdowns in 2022. 

This past season, Hayden rushed for just 110 yards on 19 carries while playing behind TreVeyon Henderson and Deamonte Trayanum. 

With Henderson returning in 2024 and Quinshon Judkins transferring from Ole Miss to Ohio State, it made sense for Hayden to look for a new opportunity. 

The Vols could use some running back help considering the lack of experience in their running back room with Jaylen Wright and Jabari Small off to the NFL. Junior Dylan Sampson is the only running back on the roster with more than 25 career carries.