The Tennessee Titans stirred the pot of in-state college football rivalries with a roster decision that is already generating buzz and controversy across the Volunteer State. In a move that has SEC fans talking, the Titans announced the addition of former Vanderbilt linebacker Anfernee Orji while simultaneously waiving former Tennessee Volunteers running back Jabari Small. For fans of the orange and white, the decision is more than a minor transaction—it’s a symbolic statement that underscores the emotional stakes that run deep in Tennessee football culture.
Anfernee Orji, a standout linebacker from Vanderbilt, may not have had the national recognition that some of his SEC peers garnered, but those who followed his collegiate career know he was the heart and soul of the Commodores’ defense. Known for his intelligence, leadership, and tenacity on the field, Orji was a three-year starter for Vanderbilt and led the team in tackles in each of his final two seasons. Despite playing for a team that struggled in the highly competitive SEC, Orji consistently impressed NFL scouts with his instincts, sideline-to-sideline pursuit, and ability to read offenses. Going undrafted in 2023, he spent time with the New Orleans Saints and had brief stints on practice squads before finding an opportunity to compete for a role with the Titans.
His addition may seem like a footnote to some, but to Vanderbilt fans and SEC faithful, it is validation that talent can come from anywhere—even from a program often considered an afterthought in a conference stacked with football juggernauts. Titans general manager Ran Carthon has shown a willingness to look beyond the brand names and go after players who fit the team’s culture and needs. In Orji, the Titans believe they’ve found a disciplined, high-motor linebacker who can provide depth and potentially contribute on special teams or in rotational defensive packages.
The decision to waive Jabari Small, however, is where emotions start to run high. Small, a former Tennessee Volunteer and one of the team’s most reliable running backs in recent years, became a fan favorite in Knoxville for his grit, work ethic, and production. A Memphis native, Small rushed for over 1,800 yards and scored 24 total touchdowns in his college career. He was especially effective in big moments, helping Tennessee climb back into national relevance with his consistency in the backfield. Despite being overshadowed at times by fellow backs like Jaylen Wright and Dylan Sampson, Small was the glue of the Volunteers’ ground game during his tenure.
For the Titans, the decision to move on from Small may have been based on numbers, roster flexibility, or positional needs. With Derrick Henry now gone and the team evaluating a mix of younger backs and potential free-agent acquisitions, the running back room is in flux. Tyjae Spears and Hassan Haskins are among those battling for increased roles, and the Titans may be looking for a different skill set or a change in offensive identity under new head coach Brian Callahan. Small’s release, while disappointing to many fans, is part of the often harsh business side of the NFL where even talented players must fight for every inch of opportunity.
Yet the optics of the move—replacing a beloved Tennessee Volunteer with a former Vanderbilt Commodore—add a unique layer of drama in a state where college football loyalty runs deep. The rivalry between the Vols and Commodores may be one-sided historically, with Tennessee dominating the series, but for fans in Nashville and across the state, the lines between college and pro allegiances are often blurred. Titans fans who also bleed orange may find themselves asking difficult questions about loyalty, perception, and fairness. It’s a reminder that, for all the talk of professional teams being above the fray of college rivalries, emotions often spill over.
Jabari Small’s connection to the state of Tennessee goes beyond his playing days in Knoxville. He was a leader on and off the field, respected by coaches and teammates alike. His presence brought energy and humility to a locker room that thrived under Josh Heupel’s fast-paced system. Small was never the flashiest player, but his vision, ball security, and willingness to play through pain earned him admiration from fans and NFL scouts alike. While not the biggest or fastest back in the draft class, he was seen as someone who could contribute in a committee-style backfield at the next level.
After going undrafted in 2024, Small signed with the Titans in hopes of carving out a role on a team looking to reset its offensive identity. He showed flashes in camp, and by all accounts, he impressed with his professionalism and readiness. But the NFL is a numbers game, and depth chart evaluations can be brutal. With limited preseason opportunities to showcase his talents, Small became the odd man out in a crowded room. His release will sting for his supporters, but given his pedigree and character, he may not be without a home for long. Other teams, especially those looking for steady backfield depth, could see value in a player like him.
On the flip side, Anfernee Orji’s signing is a feel-good story for those who understand the grind. As a high school standout from Rockwall, Texas, Orji was a four-star recruit who chose Vanderbilt not for the football glory but for the opportunity to compete in the SEC while receiving a world-class education. He quickly became one of the team’s foundational players, embracing the challenge of playing for a program that rarely gets the spotlight. His football IQ was often praised by coaches, and his game film reveals a player who understands leverage, pursuit angles, and tackling fundamentals. Though not a burner, Orji makes up for it with positioning and effort.
For Titans fans without a strong allegiance to the Vols or Commodores, this move might register simply as the latest in a series of offseason adjustments. The team is in transition, looking to emerge from the shadows of mediocrity after a disappointing few seasons. With new leadership, a young quarterback in Will Levis, and a revamped coaching staff, the Titans are trying to establish a new identity. Moves like these—minor in the grand scheme of the NFL—are about building the bottom half of the roster with players who can contribute in specific roles, especially on special teams and in defensive packages.
Still, the emotional and symbolic undertones can’t be ignored. In Tennessee, college football loyalties are almost tribal. For a pro team trying to unify a fan base spread across Knoxville, Nashville, Memphis, and everywhere in between, every move involving local college talent carries extra weight. Cutting a Vol and adding a Commodore isn’t just a transactional footnote—it’s an emotional flashpoint.
The Titans have made efforts in recent years to be more inclusive of the state’s major college programs, often hosting events that celebrate alumni from Tennessee, Vanderbilt, and even Memphis. But these types of moves test that neutrality. For Tennessee fans, watching one of their own get cut while a rival player gets a chance can feel like a slap in the face. For Vanderbilt supporters—often the underdogs in the state’s football ecosystem—it’s a moment of pride and vindication. That’s the fascinating paradox of sports: the smallest moves often carry the biggest reactions.
As Anfernee Orji steps onto the Titans’ practice field, he knows he has a long road ahead to make the 53-man roster. But he also knows what it’s like to be doubted and overlooked. That chip on his shoulder, forged during years of battling SEC powerhouses with limited support, may be exactly what the Titans need. His presence in the locker room could bring a quiet, focused intensity that helps the team during a season of change. For Orji, this is a chance to not only prove himself but to represent a university that rarely gets NFL recognition.
Jabari Small’s journey, meanwhile, is far from over. There’s little doubt that the former Vol will get another opportunity—either on a practice squad or as a mid-season call-up when injuries strike elsewhere. Players with his resume and work ethic rarely stay unemployed for long. Wherever he ends up, he’ll carry with him the pride of Tennessee fans who appreciated every yard he fought for in Neyland Stadium. In time, his release may be seen not as a dismissal but as a stepping stone in a career that still holds promise.
The Titans’ decision, as controversial as it may be in the eyes of some fans, reflects the realities of the NFL—where every roster spot is earned, not given, and where college allegiances don’t always translate into professional opportunity. Still, in a state where the lines between college and pro football are blurred by geography and passion, moves like this are never just about football. They’re about identity, pride, and the ever-evolving battle for validation.
As the 2025 season approaches, Titans fans will be watching closely—not just to see how Orji performs, but to see where Small lands next. In the chessboard of professional football, pawns are often sacrificed for strategy, but every now and then, one of those pawns becomes a queen. Whether this move turns out to be a masterstroke or a misstep remains to be seen. What’s certain is that both players have loyal supporters who will be tracking every step of their journeys.
In the end, the Titans’ latest roster adjustment may fade from the headlines in a matter of days. But for SEC fans in Tennessee, it’s a reminder that football is never just business—it’s personal. And in a state where every decision can ripple through the heart of college football culture, no transaction is ever truly minor.
