Tennessee CB Rickey Gibson III makes decision on 2026 season, per report
By David Wasson
Published:
The Tennessee Volunteers will lose a talented defensive back to the transfer portal when it opens Friday, as junior Rickey Gibson III is reportedly set to leave Knoxville.
On3Sports reported that Gibson will seek a new home for his final two years of eligibility.
Gibson sustained a left arm injury in Tennessee’s first game of the 2025 season, leaving in the second quarter against Syracuse. He did not return to action for the rest of the season, finishing with just 1 solo tackle.
Gibson’s sophomore season was a strong one, as he recorded 25 solo tackles, 3 passes defended and a forced fumble in 2024. His freshman season in 2023 saw 6 solo tackles and a pass defended.
This is actually the second time Gibson has announced his intention to enter the transfer portal, as he announced plans to leave the Vols after the 2024 season but ultimately decided to remain with the program.
Gibson joins left tackle Lance Heard as projected Tennessee starters to head to the portal, and his departure comes on the same day that secondary coach Willie Martinez and assistant Earnest Thomas were reportedly let go by Tennessee coach Josh Heupel.
An APSE national award-winning writer and editor, David Wasson has almost four decades of experience in the print journalism business in Florida and Alabama. His work has also appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times and several national magazines and websites. He also hosts Gulfshore Sports with David Wasson, weekdays from 3-5 pm across Southwest Florida and on FoxSportsFM.com. His Twitter handle: @JustDWasson.
