The Tennessee Volunteers continue to strengthen their roster, landing a commitment from former Grand Valley State defensive tackle Josh Schell via the NCAA Transfer Portal. Schell brings both experience and talent to Tennessee, joining the team after three seasons at the Division II powerhouse.
In the 2024 season, Schell demonstrated his potential, recording career-high statistics across the board. He tallied 35 tackles, three tackles for loss, two sacks, six pass deflections, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. These impressive numbers earned him All-Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Honorable Mention recognition.
A versatile athlete, Schell redshirted his true freshman season in 2022 and also showcased his skills as a pitcher for Grand Valley State’s baseball team. By 2023, he made eight appearances on the football field, registering 11 tackles.
Schell, a Mt. Pleasant (MI) native, was an unranked prospect in the 2022 recruiting cycle. However, his development at Grand Valley State has made him a sought-after player in the transfer portal. After taking an official visit to Tennessee on April 27, Schell made his decision to join the Volunteers, citing the coaching staff and the SEC’s elite level of competition as major factors.
“The coaching staff and the opportunities stood out to me,” Schell said during an interview with VolQuest. “You are playing in the SEC. It’s the premier league in college football, and the staff here is amazing. Coach Garner has been in the SEC for 36 years and has produced countless draft picks. He is elite at his job. That’s the most appealing thing to me.”
At 22 years old and entering his redshirt junior season, Schell understands the urgency of his decision. “I’m not here for the ‘oh this is the coolest place,’” he said. “I want to play football at a high level. I’m looking for a home, somewhere I can contribute and grow within a system.”
Schell chose Tennessee over UCF, SMU, and Kentucky, and is eager to contribute to the Volunteers’ defensive success. His experience and determination will bolster the team’s depth and performance as they prepare for another competitive SEC season.
Tennessee fans can look forward to seeing Schell’s impact as he transitions into one of the premier conferences in college football, bringing his hard work and drive to Rocky Top.
