Would be a huge loss.
According to a report from On3, Tennessee starting cornerback Rickey Gibson plans to enter the transfer portal during the spring period.
BREAKING: Tennessee starting CB Rickey Gibson tells On3 he plans to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal this spring. https://t.co/5AH7vGlici pic.twitter.com/LuIQo8vKQU
— On3 (@On3sports) February 25, 2025
The former four-star prospect was grew into a starting role during the 2024 season, playing alongside of Jermod McCoy. Gibson totalled 32 tackles, six pass break-ups, a forced fumble and two tackles for loss — his biggest coming on a key fourth down play against Florida.
With McCoy’s torn ACL suffered earlier in the offseason, this move by Gibson is a real shock and a massive blow to the Tennessee defense. The Volunteers have already lost a piece of depth with Jordan Matthews heading out to Vanderbilt. Losing Gibson on top of that would present quite the problem to solve in the secondary with McCoy’s status uncertain.
Tennessee was able to keep Boo Carter in Knoxville after rumors swirled that he was going to enter the transfer portal. Perhaps this is just a negotiating move from the Gibson camp, maybe not.
The spring transfer window opens on April 16th and runs through April 25th. Spring practice is set to open in just a couple of weeks.