Tennessee basketball has already been aggressive in the Transfer Portal, with Rick Barnes landing Tyler Lundblade out of Belmont. Lundblade is a true sharpshooter, averaging over 15.6 points per game last season and earning Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year honors. This is likely just the start. Tennessee still has plenty of holes to fill, so expect the Vols to stay active in the portal. Let's take a look at three players the Vols need to target ahead of Tuesday's portal opening.
1. Mouhamed Sylla: Center, Georgia Tech
Sylla is an absolute beast at 6-foot-10, 240 pounds who could fill in perfectly for the Vols at center, taking Felix Okpara's spot. As a freshman in 2025, Sylla averaged 9.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in 21 minutes a game for the Yellow Jackets. Sylla is a defensive-minded big man who can rebound, roll to the basket off screens, and be a lob threat. He will have three years of eligibility left and is the perfect archetype to pair with Jaylen Carey and JP Estrella.
2. JaQuan Johnson: Point guard, Bradley
JaQuan Johnson is an absolute menace, with the nickname "Bully" because of his defensive prowess. Tennessee needs a point guard, unless Barnes wants to roll with Ethan Burg or Troy Henderson, two guys who didn't get much run last season. Johnson averaged 16.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.6 assists a game last year for Bradley. Oh, and he averaged 2.5 steals a game shwoing that he can be a two-way stud. Johnson also shot 38% from three and isn't afraid to take the ball to the rim. He's the perfect fit for Rick Barnes' system.
3. Devin Royal: Forward, Ohio State
Assuming that Nate Ament is going to the NBA Draft, Tennesse will need another guy who can play the three and the four, and Royal is the perfect match. At Ohio State, Royal averaged 13.7 points and 5.7 rebounds a night on 47% from the field. He is a 6-foot-6, 220-pound physical forward who can rebound and guard multiple positions while not sacrificing offensive talent and spacing. Royal can score, but he's not a great shooter, shooting only 31.6% from deep last season. His jump shot is respectable enough to keep defenses honest, but it's by no means a strength of his game. Royal would seamlessly transition into Knoxville and fit right in with his gritty style. Barnes needs to make this happen.