After losing to a very good Michigan team in the Elite Eight last year, something needed to change. It has been three straight years of Tennessee falling one game short of the Final Four, and Rick Barnes sought out change. That’s worth noting.
Rick Barnes and Tennessee welcome a major 5-star small forward for an official visit
Tennessee’s approach could be the first step toward something special for Barnes and the Tennessee basketball program. Instead of building a roster centered entirely around gritty, tough defenders, Barnes went after one of the team’s biggest weaknesses from last season, scoring. Outside of Ja’Kobi Gillespie and Nate Ament, the Vols lacked consistent offensive firepower. That’s not to say Tennessee won’t be a good defensive team next year, but defense may not be the program’s primary strength as it has been in recent seasons.
That said, ESPN ranked Tennessee's portal haul as the No. 1 in the nation in a recent article. Jeff Borzello said, Rick Barnes clearly emphasized offense in the portal..."And, "There will be a learning curve for the Vols' newcomers on the defensive end, but Rubin has been an excellent shot blocker and rim protector for three seasons."
Tennessee Basketball is named as the best transfer portal class in college basketball by ESPN’s @jeffborzello 🍊
— FOX Sports Knoxville (@FOXSportsKnox) June 9, 2026
The #Vols were placed ahead of No. 2 Louisville, No. 3 Texas, and No. 4 Kentucky in Borzello’s rankings.
“Rick Barnes clearly emphasized offense in the portal,”… pic.twitter.com/fKpxDjtwKz
Tennessee has the best portal class in the nation
It makes sense why ESPN ranked the Vols No. 1. Tennessee added Juke Harris, Dai Dai Ames, Terrence Hill, Jalen Haralson, Miles Rubin, and Tyler Lundblade, among others. The Vols are completely loaded with players who have produced at a high level in the likes of the ACC, A-10, and more. Tennessee has a real shot to make noise in the NCAA Tournament next year. The roster is built for it.
Plus, being ranked this high by ESPN matters more than it seems. Tennessee has a legitimate Final Four contender and arguably the best backcourt in the nation. In March, when the game is on the line, it often comes down to the ball handlers making plays. Even last year, on a Tennessee team that was solid but not elite offensively, the Vols made a deep run largely because of Gillespie. Having ball handlers who can go get a bucket matters, and Barnes has a plethora of them this season.
Tennessee has more than enough players who can go get a bucket compared to last season, which clearly shows Barnes understands the flaws of his previous team and wants to correct them so the Vols can finally make the Final Four. ESPN understands that Tennessee is a legitimate contender, and seeing the national media buy-in is significant.
Now, its up to Barnes to get it done.
Add us as a preferred source on Google