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Tennessee football transfer Chaz Coleman has not reported for summer workouts. This comes after reports of missed spring practice sessions in Knoxville earlier this offseason.
The sophomore defensive end is supposedly struggling with the move from Penn State. Homesickness and a fit with vertigo have kept him off the field. His absence has the Vols on edge given the investment made to land his signature.
Coleman triggered a bidding war with a trio of SEC programs following his transfer announcement. Tennessee was willing to pay.
Now, they hope that money is not wasted before seeing a return on the field.
Who is Chaz Coleman?
The defensive pass rusher is a former four-star prospect out of Ohio. Despite those Buckeye State ties, he spurned Ohio State to sign with Penn State as a high school senior.
Coleman played sparingly as a freshman, making eight tackles and recording a sack. He also forced a pair of fumbles and scored a touchdown.
He was expected to be a key contributor for the Nittany Lions as a sophomore. Things changed quickly in Central PA.
James Franklin was fired after six games. Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles has since moved onto Tennessee following the staff turnover. Coleman followed his play caller to Knoxville.
The Vols had to beat out South Carolina and LSU for Coleman’s commitment. Ohio State was also in the mix but was only willing to offer a “hometown discount.”
Tennessee’s investment was not cheap. According to All for Tennessee, an NIL deal was valued around $3.5 million. That has the Vols antsy over his latest absence.
Coleman is not at summer workouts.
Tennessee EDGE Chaz Coleman has yet to report to Knoxville for summer workouts, sources tell @Clowfb and me for @On3. Voluntary workouts began earlier this week.
Josh Heupel: “Chaz has been dealing with some things, and we’re here to support him. We’ll continue to go through… pic.twitter.com/gTTbmkMRYE
— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos) May 27, 2026
It is worth noting that the workouts are voluntary. They started this week. His absence in the spring, however, provides another layer.
That previous leave was related to homesickness and lingering vertigo from his season at Penn State. Earlier this month, it was reported that things were “better than they were” moving into the summer.
Tennessee insider Brent Hubbs provided an update at the beginning of May. He believes that homesickness is no longer the issue. Instead, Hubbs says it’s more a mental issue related to past injury.
“I don’t think it’s about being homesick. It’s certainly not about money. He’s just dealing with some personal things that he is trying to get himself through. He’s not been 100 percent physically. I think that’s kind of bothered him a little bit. He got banged up late last year, and I think he’s had some lingering effects and some of that stuff that’s kind of messed with him a little bit. And I think he’s just had some personal things that he’s dealing with and going through.”
Head coach Josh Heupel says that Chaz Coleman is still working through those challenges. While the defender has not yet reported to summer workouts, Heupel is confident he will do so in the very near future.
Everyone in Knoxville is hoping to see a change soon. The program ponied up to sign him. They want to see it pay off in 2026.