Tennessee lands transfer commitment from talented FCS wide receiver
By Sydney Hunte
Published:
Despite Chris Brazzell’s decision to declare for the 2026 NFL Draft, Tennessee will return Braylon Stanley and Mike Matthews to its wide receiver room in 2026. The Volunteers will also add heralded five-star recruit Tristen Keys and in-state product Tyreek King.
On Sunday, the Vols reached into the transfer portal to secure another player for their WR ranks.
Ian Duarte, who played three seasons at FCS Idaho State, has committed to the program. Duarte’s agent revealed the news to CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz and Chris Hummer.
Duarte, originally from Santa Clarita, California, enjoyed a pair of productive seasons with the Bengals after redshirting in 2023. He totaled 47 catches for 504 yards and three touchdowns in 2024. In 2025, he made 46 catches for 521 yards and three TDs.
He now joins a wide receiver corps that may or may not have Joey Aguilar throwing to it. The Vols’ starting QB in 2025 has no remaining eligibility under current NCAA rules, but he is seeking a waiver to return in 2026.
With Duarte’s commitment, the Volunteers now have pledges from 19 players during this transfer cycle. Tennessee is looking to bounce back from a disappointing 8-5 season in 2025.
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.
