Khalil Poteat, Temple transfer, joins Vanderbilt football after NCAA injunction

Defensive end Khalil Poteat, a transfer from Temple, has committed to play for Vanderbilt football in 2026 after the NCAA granted him an injunction to extend his eligibility. Poteat announced his decision on August 17. In 2025, he appeared in 10 games, recording 29 tackles, two tackles for loss, and one sack, while also forcing two fumbles.

Poteat had played at two junior colleges in 2022 and 2023 before spending the past two seasons at Temple. The NCAA's "5-in-5" rule, implemented to give players five seasons of eligibility, allowed Poteat and others to enter the transfer portal in January and transfer to Vanderbilt. Coach Clark Lea discussed the team's needs and preparations for Poteat's arrival, noting the restrictions involved in the ruling.

The Vanderbilt Commodores do not need to cut any players to accommodate Poteat. Aria Gerson, covering Vanderbilt athletics for The Tennessean, reported this story.