Tennessee football adds Miami DB Jadais Richard, Idaho State WR Ian Duarte
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Tennessee football added Miami defensive back Jadais Richard and Idaho State wide receiver/returner Ian Duarte from the transfer portal on Jan. 25.
They’re late additions, as UT has already started classes in the spring semester. But they help solidify the projected 2026 roster.
Here’s a quick look at the newest transfers and why UT got them.
Jadais Richard is Tennessee’s eighth DB from the portal
Richard is a 6-foot-1, 195-pounder from West Monroe, Louisiana. He started his career at Vanderbilt in 2022 as a four-star recruit. He played one season for the Commodores and the past three years at Miami, including a 2025 redshirt.
Richard has plenty of experience with 36 games played and eight starts in his career. His best season was 2024, when he had 27 tackles, one interception and one forced fumble in more than 400 snaps on defense before suffering a season-ending injury.
Richard played sparingly for Miami in 2025, during its run to the CFP national title game. He has one season of eligibility remaining.
His addition is critical as Tennessee reloads and retools its secondary to fit new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles’ scheme. Richard has played cornerback, nickelback and safety.
UT has picked up eight defensive backs from the portal: Richard (Miami), Kayin Lee (Auburn); Tevis Metcalf (Michigan); Qua Moss (Kansas State); Isaiah Hardge (Colorado); Dejuan Lane (Penn State); TJ Metcalf (Michigan); DJ Burks (Appalachian State).
Ian Duarte adds depth to talented wide receiver group
Duarte, a 5-10, 176-pounder, from Santa Clarita, California, was a productive receiver and returner at the FCS level.
In the past two seasons, he had 93 catches for 1,025 yards and six TDs at Idaho State. In 2025, he had 355 yards combined as a kick returner and punt returner.
Duarte adds experience and depth at wide receiver, where the Vols return two starters and young talent. And he should compete for both returner positions.
Braylon Staley was the 2025 SEC Freshman of the Year as a receiver and occasionally a punt returner. Mike Matthews was an 800-yard receiver. Radarious Jackson and Travis Smith showed promise as freshmen in 2025. Five-star Tristen Keys and four-star Tyreek King join the mix at receiver from the 2026 class.
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 atknoxnews.com/subscribe.
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Tennessee football adds Miami DB Jadais Richard, Idaho State WR Ian Duarte
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