Former Penn State defensive tackle Xavier Gilliam has committed to transfer to Tennessee, per On3’s Hayes Fawcett. He has three years of eligibility remaining.

Gilliam was a three-star recruit in the class of 2024 out of Gaithersburg, Maryland. He was the No. 82 defensive lineman and No. 26 Maryland native in the class, per 247Sports’ Composite rankings. He committed to Penn State in June 2023, choosing the Nittany Lions over NC State, Virginia Tech, and Duke.

He redshirted as a true freshman in 2024, but took on a bigger role in 2025, starting alongside Zane Durant on the interior of Deion Barnes’ defensive line. He had 15 tackles, two tackles-for-loss, and a half- sack on the season in 13 games. His most iconic moment as a Nittany Lion came on his blocked field goal against Iowa, which was returned for a touchdown by Elliot Washington II.

He took visits to Notre Dame, Indiana, and Texas A&M in the process, but ultimately decided to follow former defensive coordinator Jim Knowles and co-defensive coordinator Anthony Poindexter to Rocky Top.

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Michael Zeno

Michael is a junior from Eastampton, NJ, majoring in international politics. He's a diehard Knicks, Yankees, Rangers, and Giants fan. When he's not watching old OBJ highlights, he likes to bowl and play pickup basketball. He'll forever believe that Michael Penix Jr. was short. You can contact him at @MichaelZeno24 on Twitter or zenomanknows@gmail.com

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