The expected recruiting and roster fallout from Eddie George leaving Tennessee State for Bowling Green has started to begin.

Standout linebacker Sanders Ellis has entered the NCAA transfer portal, according to a report by On3sports.

Ellis was an anchor of a Tennessee State defense that ranked fourth in the OVC/Big South in 2024 and allowed the third-fewest points in the conference.

Tennessee State linebacker Sanders Ellis has entered the transfer portal, @On3sports has learned.

As a freshman in 2024, he posted 86 tackles, 15.5 TFLs and 2 pass deflections. https://t.co/VxSGJETKD9 pic.twitter.com/mjYBjnK00I

— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos_) March 13, 2025

As a freshman, Ellis tallied 86 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, and two pass deflections last season, making him a finalist for the Jerry Rice Award, given to the top FCS freshman.

Ellis’s entry in the transfer portal comes days after George signed a five-year contract to be the head coach at Bowling Green.