The saga continues with former Penn State football edge rusher Chaz Coleman.
Coleman, who transferred to Tennessee after his true freshman season as a Nittany Lions, has yet to have consistence attendance for the Volunteers. After winter workouts, Coleman's homesickness hit and he was simultaneously overcoming vertigo he sustained after a head injury. The combination of the two caused Coleman's absences from the spring and current summer workouts as well.
Tennessee reportedly allocated a significant amount of money in NIL to Coleman. He followed former Nittany Lion defensive coordinator Jim Knowles to Knoxville after putting up eight tackles, three tackles for loss, two fumble recoveries, one forced fumble, one pass defended, and one sack over nine games.
On May 29, Coleman's future status with the Volunteers was unclear. Just three days later, another update led to even more questions.
Former assistant coach Doug Matthews spoke out about Coleman's absence and said, according to AZ Sports:
"A talented player, but young and inexperienced. But [Coleman] really was being counted on probably to be a starter at EDGE rusher, I would think. [He’s] no longer with the program. I think it’s probably pretty mutual, but he was dismissed this past week after I think about as good an effort as Coach [Josh] Heupel and this staff could have [made] to keep him there. It didn’t work out. Those things happen.”
Despite this lengthy comment and explanation, sources continue negating it, reporting that Coleman has not been dismissed from the program. The edge rusher is still listed on Tennessee's roster as well.
However, while Matthews' statement has been denied, it doesn't mean it's not a possible route the Volunteers could take.
NEWS: Chaz Coleman has NOT been dismissed from the football program
— Vol Scoops (@VolScoops) May 31, 2026
This comes despite a report from @AtoZSports saying Former Vol assistant coach Doug Matthews had claimed Coleman was dismissed on 104.5 The Zone’s Big Orange Sunday
Coleman remains on the team and all eyes… pic.twitter.com/RNlLtXXAyK
Rumors of edge rusher Chaz Coleman being dismissed from Tennessee are debunked
There's still a lot of uncertainty surrounding Coleman's situation — both regarding his personal life and security on Tennessee's roster.
Given Matthews' comment, there's one thing that's definitely clear about the situation: the Volunteers need, or at least want, answers as soon as possible. The NIL money set aside for Coleman plays a massive role in the frustration, regardless of Heupel's outspoken support for Coleman's situation.
Fans and the general public will definitely be more considerate of Coleman's personal situation, no matter how severe. For Tennessee, a decision as to whether the edge rusher is dismissed from the program or is required to play for the Volunteers in 2026 due to his NIL deal is on the horizon. The business side of college football will have to step in if there isn't a resolution soon.
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