Josh Heupel updates Chaz Coleman situation amid Tennessee absence, NIL questions

Tennessee football coach Josh Heupel indicated that edge rusher Chaz Coleman is still dealing with personal matters, but he expects him to return to regular team activities. The prized Penn State transfer missed most of spring practice, along with a series of workouts and team activities, due to what Heupel called “ off the field ” issues. On April 28, Heupel briefly addressed Coleman's status during a Big Orange Caravan stop near Chattanooga.

"At the end of the day, (Coleman) is dealing with some things," Heupel said. "He has to work through some things. When he's able to do that, he'll be back with us.

" Coleman remains on the UT roster, and coaches hope he’ll be available to play for the Vols in the 2026 season. He was a five-star transfer and the highest-rated edge rusher in the portal , according to  247Sports . Heupel has not provided specific reasons for Coleman’s absence.

CBS Sports , citing sources, reported that Coleman is struggling with pressure over being a newfound millionaire, vertigo symptoms from a head injury suffered at Penn State and homesickness. He is a sophomore from Warren, Ohio. UT has not made Coleman available to media.