NIL
Lady Vols softball coach Karen Weekly speaks after losing a star player in the transfer portal
Former Tennessee star Taylor Pannell transferred to Texas Tech hours after entering the portal, which immediately fueled speculation that tampering was involved.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Former Tennessee softball infielder Taylor Pannell entered the transfer portal on Thursday with a “do not contact” tag. Hours later, the redshirt sophomore announced her commitment to Texas Tech.
In the new era of name, image and likeness, where money is becoming the main draw for student-athletes, tampering allegations are becoming commonplace in college sports. Tampering involves a school or NIL collective approaching an athlete while they are still playing at another school and striking an under-the-table deal to convince them to enter the transfer portal to play for them.
Tampering is against NCAA rules, and a school can file a complaint to have the NCAA investigate.
Although it is not confirmed Pannell had discussions with Texas Tech before entering the portal, the immediacy in picking a new school quickly fueled concerns she might have already lined up a deal with the Red Raiders.
UT softball head coach Karen Weekly expressed her feelings about NIL and the portal on her X account saying, “money isn’t the issue – tampering is!”
“Contacting players (directly or indirectly) before their season ends and signing them to NIL deals before they enter the portal is wrong,” she said.
Pannell was Tennessee’s star hitter during the 2025 season. She led in almost every offensive category, including home runs and RBIs. Her departure is the most significant loss for the Lady Vols in recent memory.