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Former Tennessee offensive lineman commits to Arkansas

On3 imageby:Eric Cain•12/19/23•

_Cainer

Addison Nichols
Credit: Volquest

Addison Nichols, who entered the transfer portal on December 4, announced he’ll continue his collegiate journey at Arkansas.

The former Tennessee offensive lineman made the call via his X and Instagram accounts Tuesday afternoon.

“After discussing and praying about it with my family, I will be finishing my academic and collegiate football career at The University of Arkansas,” Nichols posted. “Go Hogs! Woo Pig SOOOOOOIIEEEEEEE!!”

 

The former 4-star offensive lineman from Atlanta, Georgia got his most extensive playing time against Vanderbilt to close out the season after Cooper Mays got hurt and Ollie Lane had to move to center. Sources indicated to Volquest that Nichols had already decided to enter the portal before the Vanderbilt game. Prior to the regular season finale Nichols had played just 49 offensive snaps in the first 11 games. 

Nichols spent the spring at the center position where it was thought he would be Cooper Mays’ back up. When Mays was out in the pre-season, Nichols struggled in scrimmage work which caused Tennessee to move Ollie Lane from guard to center for the first four games of the season. 

“I want to thank the University of Tennessee. Everyone I’ve been fortunate enough to meet here,” Nichols wrote on Instagram when entering the portal. “And the most loyal fans in the country, for shaping me into the man and athlete I am today. I will carry so many lessons and cherished memories with me. Always.

However, after much consideration, I have decided to enter the transfer portal. I look forward to seeing what my next chapter holds.”

Nichols will join former Tennessee defensive back Doneiko Slaughter at Arkansas – as he previously made the move official from the transfer portal last weekend.

The offensive lineman, who has both guard and center experience, will now be coached by one of the most respected offensive line mins in the country in head coach Sam Pittman.

Understanding the portal

The winter transfer portal window opened on December 4th and runs for 30 days. The winter window to enter the portal closes on January 2nd. The spring portal window runs from April 16-30th.

Players don’t have to pick a school they are going to during those specific dates but those are the span of dates on when a player can enter the portal.

Those dates don’t apply to graduate transfers who can enter the portal whenever they wish prior to May 1st. Also, if there’s a head coaching change, players can enter the portal outside of those dates.

Players who enter the portal in the 30 day winter window are trying to be somewhere for the spring semester. 

For Tennessee the spring semester starts on January 22nd which is late compared to many schools around the country. Tennessee a year ago started a winter mini-term class that runs the first 3 weeks of January. 

With the portal, schools also have to stay at 85 or below in their scholarships numbers, meaning when the spring semester starts they can’t be over 85. In Tennessee’s case, that number is closer to 82 as the Vols balance the scholarship reductions that they received last July when the NCAA ruled on the Jeremy Pruitt case.

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