Tennessee offensive tackle Gerald Mincey has entered the transfer portal three weeks after announcing that he would return for the Vols in the 2024 season.

Mincey, a 6-foot-6, 337-pounder, started seven games this season, including UT's 35-0 win over Iowa in the Citrus Bowl. He played 22 games with 14 starts in two seasons with the Vols.

On Dec. 11, Mincey announced that he would utilize his COVID-exempt year and return to UT next season. He even thanked the Volunteer Club, the NIL collective for UT athletes.

But since then, the NCAA rule prohibiting undergraduate athletes from transferring multiple times without sitting a year has been changed. That means Mincey can transfer to a third school in his college career and play immediately.

Mincey started his career at Florida, where he played the 2020 and 2021 seasons. He has played 33 games in his college career and has one season of eligibility remaining.

His departure leaves a huge hole at tackle for UT. Left tackle John Campbell announced that he's returning in 2024. But in the Citrus Bowl, the Vols allowed six sacks with Mincey and backup Dayne Davis at the two starting tackle spots.

UT needs another option at tackle, so it could seek Mincey's replacement in the portal.

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: Tennessee football OT Gerald Mincey enters transfer portal