ACC, SEC schools named as programs to watch for portal-bound Tennessee RB Peyton Lewis
By Sydney Hunte
Published:
Tennessee running back Peyton Lewis revealed his decision to enter the transfer portal in January on Sunday after spending two years with the program.
The former four-star recruit has totaled 10 touchdowns and just over 600 yards in two seasons with the Volunteers. He’ll likely have his pick of teams as he considers where he will play next.
Four teams have already reportedly emerged as possible landing spots for Lewis, three from the ACC and one from the SEC. According to On3’s Pete Nakos, Florida State, South Carolina, Syracuse, and Virginia are “early schools to watch” as Lewis’s next destination.
Virginia would be a natural landing spot for Lewis, who played high school football in Salem, Va., about two hours from Charlottesville. The Cavaliers are looking to build on their first 10-win season since 1989. Meanwhile, Florida State, South Carolina, and Syracuse will be out to strengthen their running back rooms as they try to bounce back from disappointing campaigns.
As a true freshman in 2024, Lewis ran 64 times for 339 yards and three touchdowns. In 2025, he took 70 carries for 290 yards and seven scores. His seven rushing touchdowns were tied for second on the team.
Tennessee currently has a total of eight players who plan to enter the transfer portal when it opens on January 2.
Sydney is an Atlanta-based journalist who has covered everything from SEC and ACC football to MLS, the U.S. men's national soccer team and professional tennis. His work has appeared on such platforms as SB Nation, Cox Media Group and FanSided.
