Penn State linebacker Amar’e Campbell is transferring to the Tennessee football team, giving defensive coordinator Jim Knowles another player with valuable experience in his system.
Campbell acknowledged his commitment in an Instagram post.
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Campbell leads Penn State with 103 tackles and 769 defensive snaps during the 2025 season under Knowles, the Nittany Lions’ first-year defensive coordinator. That means Campbell will arrive at Tennessee with knowledge and experience of the program Knowles and his staff have implemented.
Tennessee co-defensive coordinator/secondary coach Anthony Poindexter and Chargers coach Andrew Jackson were also at Penn State last season, so they know what Campbell is capable of. His former Penn State teammate, defensive tackle Xavier Gilliam, is also transferring to Tennessee.
They join Kansas State safety Qua Moss, LSU offensive tackle Ory Williams, Auburn cornerback Kayin Lee and Louisville kicker Cooper Ranvier as UT’s transfer portal receivers.
Amare Campbell’s stats at Penn State, NC
Campbell is 6-foot, 231 pounds and is from Manassas, Virginia. He played his first two seasons at the University of North Carolina and the 2025 season at Penn State. He has one season of eligibility remaining.
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Over the course of his career, Campbell played in 37 games at two different schools, including 27 starts. He totaled 193 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks, one forced fumble and one interception.
Campbell begins the 2024 season at North Carolina State as a playmaker with 10.5 tackles for loss. But after spring practice at UNC under coach Bill Belichick, he transferred to Penn State.
In 2025, Campbell not only completed Knowles’ defense, but also had 103 tackles. He also had 9.5 tackles, three sacks, four quarterback hurries and one forced fumble in 13 games.
Amar’e Campbell’s position on Tennessee’s linebacker corps
Campbell joins a Tennessee linebacker group that returns some experience and young talent. But it needs an upgrade, especially after All-SEC player Arion Carter declared for the 2026 NFL Draft.
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Edwin Spillman and Jeremiah Telander return as UT’s two leading tacklers. Spearman totaled 81 tackles, including 3.5 for loss. Trander had 80 tackles, including six for loss. Both said they’re eager to learn about Knowles’ plans, and Campbell should expedite the process.
Jadon Perlotte and Jaedon Harmon showed promise as freshmen. In 2025, they each had 19 tackles.
Adam Sparks is a Tennessee football reporter. e-mail adam.sparks@knoxnews.com. X, formerly known as Twitter@adamsparks. Support strong local journalism with a subscription knoxnews.com/subscribe.
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This article originally appeared in the Knoxville News Sentinel: Amar’e Campbell: Tennessee reunites Penn State LB with Jim Knowles
