Jan 20, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive lineman Pat Coogan (78), head coach Marcus Freeman, and offensive lineman Rocco Spindler (50) react after losing against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the CFP National Championship college football game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. / Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Despite making the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoffs, Tennessee has a lot of remodeling to do over the offseason. Josh Heupel has taken an aggressive approach in the college football transfer portal and landed another commitment from former Notre Dame offensive tackle Sam Pendleton.

As expected when he entered the transfer portal with a non-contact tag, former Notre Dame offensive lineman Sam Pendleton has committed to Tennessee. His decision to come to Knoxville comes under a week after playing in the National Championship with the Fighting Irish.

Notre Dame has learned the hard way that recruiting star ratings are essential to competing at the highest level in college football.