Tennessee lands the ‘next Travis Hunter’ after Colorado’s mass exodus initially appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Tennessee continues to reshape its roster by way of the switch portal, touchdown former Colorado Buffaloes two-way athlete Isaiah Hardge as the Volunteers look so as to add versatility forward of the 2026 season.
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Hardge arrives in Knoxville after spending the 2025 season at Colorado, the place he contributed on each side of the ball as a large receiver and defensive again. He additionally carved out a serious function on particular groups. Though his offensive manufacturing was restricted, his flexibility made him a worthwhile depth piece for the Buffaloes.
In 11 video games throughout final season, Hardge caught six passes for 76 yards, rushed 3 times for eight yards and recorded 20 tackles on protection, together with one sort out for loss. He additionally logged 108 special-teams snaps throughout 5 items, turning into one in every of Colorado’s most reliable contributors in all phases.
Hardge was as soon as dubbed the “next Travis Hunter” by Colorado coach Deion Sanders. A lofty comparability that by no means totally materialized in Boulder however particulars his two-way potential.
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A 3-star recruit from St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Florida, Hardge was rated the No. 2,492 total participant in the switch portal by On3. He redshirted in 2023, expanded his function in 2024 and made one begin at large receiver in 2025 whereas additionally enjoying cornerback.
Tennessee is coming off an 8-5 season that included a Music City Bowl loss to Illinois. It’s was a step again after reaching the College Football Playoff the yr prior. Vols coach Josh Heupel now turns to the portal to spark competitors as the program prepares for subsequent fall.