Penn State linebacker Amare Campbell will transfer to Tennessee football 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 led Penn State with 103 tackles and 769 defensive snaps in the 2025 season under Knowles, then the Nittany Lions‘ first-year defensive coordinator. That means Campbell will arrive at Tennessee with knowledge and experience in the scheme that Knowles and his staff implement.
Tennessee co-defensive coordinator/secondary coach Anthony Poindexter and edge rushers coach Andrew Jackson were also at Penn State last season, so they know Campbell’s capabilities. And 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 pickups.
Amare Campbell stats at Penn State, North Carolina
Campbell is a 6-foot, 231-pounder from Manassas, Virginia. He played his first two seasons at North Carolina and the 2025 season at Penn State. He has one season of eligibility remaining.
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In his career, Campbell has played 37 games with 27 starts at two different schools. He has recorded 193 tackles, 22 tackles-for-loss, 10.5 sacks, one forced fumble and one interception.
Campbell started the 2024 season at North Carolina, where he was a playmaker who had 10.5 tackles-for-loss. But he transferred to Penn State after a UNC spring practice under coach Bill Belichick.
In 2025, Campbell not only Knowles’ defense with 103 tackles. He also had 9.5 tackles-for-loss, three sacks, four quarterback hurries and one forced fumble in 13 games.
Where Amare Campbell fits in Tennessee linebacking corps
Campbell joins a Tennessee linebacker group that returns some experience and young talent. But it needed an upgrade, especially after All-SEC performer Arion Carter declared for the 2026 NFL Draft.
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Edwin Spillman and Jeremiah Telander returns as UT’s two leading tacklers. Spillman had 81 tackles, including 3.5 for loss. Telander had 80 tackles, including six for loss. Both said they’re eager to learn Knowles’ scheme, and Campbell should expedite that process.
Jadon Perlotte and Jaedon Harmon showed promise as freshmen. They made 19 tackles apiece in 2025.
Adam Sparks is the Tennessee football beat reporter. Email adam.sparks@knoxnews.com. X, formerly known as Twitter@AdamSparks. Support strong local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe.
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Amare Campbell: Tennessee gets Penn State LB to reunite with Jim Knowles
