Tennessee Vols’ star offensive tackle Lance Heard refuses to decommit to his former team — as LSU offers to move him off the line, saying the Tigers ‘look down on him this time’ for his position…
KNOXVILLE, TN — June 13, 2025 — Tennessee Volunteers star offensive tackle Lance Heard has made waves this week after firmly refusing to rejoin his former team, the LSU Tigers, despite reported efforts from the Baton Rouge program to lure him back with a controversial proposal — a move away from his natural position on the offensive line.
Heard, who transferred from LSU to Tennessee in late 2024, has quickly become a foundational player on the Vols’ offensive front. Standing 6-foot-6 and weighing over 330 pounds, the former five-star recruit has anchored Tennessee’s line with an elite combination of strength, footwork, and pass protection.
Reports from sources close to both programs confirm that LSU recently approached Heard with an offer to return to Baton Rouge — but with a catch. Rather than reinstating him at offensive tackle, LSU proposed a position change, suggesting a move either to guard or even potentially experimenting with him on the defensive side of the ball.
In a statement to local Knoxville reporters following a summer team workout, Heard didn’t hold back.
> “They look down on me this time. It’s like they don’t respect what I do best,” Heard said. “Tennessee believes in me as a tackle. That’s who I am — that’s what got me to where I’m at.”
Heard’s frustration likely stems from his original departure from LSU, which insiders say was rooted in coaching disagreements over his development and playing time. His breakout season with Tennessee under head coach Josh Heupel has only further validated his decision to leave.
“Lance has been nothing short of elite for us,” Heupel told reporters on Thursday. “He’s one of the best tackles in the country. His commitment to his craft and to this team is unshakable. We’re lucky to have him.”
The failed LSU recruitment attempt has sparked criticism from some fans and analysts who see the position change offer as both tone-deaf and disrespectful. While it’s not uncommon for college programs to pitch position flexibility as a way to maximize a player’s NFL potential, Heard’s reaction makes it clear that he viewed the move as a demotion — and a slight against his proven abilities.
As of now, Heard remains locked in with the Vols and is expected to be one of the top offensive linemen in the SEC this coming season. With NFL Draft scouts watching closely, any notion of a position switch — especially one not initiated by the player — could have major implications.
For Heard, the message is simple: he knows who he is, and he knows where he belongs.
> “I’m a tackle. I’m a Vol. That’s it.”
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