Tennessee junior linebacker Will Ignont became the third player to leave the program this week.
Coach Jeremy Pruitt confirmed Ignont’s departure on Wednesday during the SEC teleconference, citing “personal reasons.”
The confirmation came a day after two other Volunteers — wide receiver Jacquez Jones and linebacker Shanon Reid entered their names in the transfer portal. Ignont’s name wasn’t listed on the portal as of Wednesday afternoon.
Players can change their mind after entering the transfer portal, but Pruitt confirmed Jones and Reid had left the team.
In all, six players have dropped off the Volunteers roster since early August. Wide receiver Maleik Gray transferred to Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, and defensive back Terrell Bailey and wide receiver Jordan Murphy left after the season opener.
Ignont started Tennessee’s first two games of the season as Daniel Bituli recovered from an injury but seemingly fell out of favor since then and wasn’t part of the group that traveled to Florida last weekend.
He registered a career-high eight tackles against BYU on Sept. 7. In 12 games last season, he made 47 tackles.
Reid and Jones were three-star recruits in the Class of 2017.
Reid had 11 tackles on the season, include a career high of seven against Chattanooga on Sept. 14. Jones played in one game, carrying the ball once for 9 yards.
Tennessee is 1-3 (0-1 SEC), including a 34-3 loss to Florida last weekend.