After a huge 14-point win over Iowa State in the Sweet 16, Tennessee is back in the Elite Eight for the third straight year. But Tennessee and Rick Barnes still haven’t cracked the Final Four, coming up short against Purdue and Houston in the last two seasons.
Tennessee’s Nate Ament delivers an unforgettable postgame interview after Sweet 16
The only thing between Tennessee and a Final Four run is the No. 1 seed in the region, Michigan, which has been a powerhouse all season, dismantling the Big Ten. The good news? Felix Okapra is fired up and ready to get settle unfished business. He said:
"We had some unfinished business. We felt like we should have won that Elite Eight game (last year), and it didn't work out in our favor. But this year, we're going to come out on fire."
Tennessee forward/center Felix Okpara on returning to the Elite 8: "We had some unfinished business. We felt like we should have won that Elite Eight game [last season], and it didn't work out in our favor. But this year, we're going to come out on fire."
— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) March 28, 2026
You have to love and appreciate the energy that Okpara has going into Sunday.
Tennessee has to love Felix Okapra's passion
As a senior, this is Okapra's last crack at a Final Four, and you know he wants to end his career on a high note. Okpara obviously brings a ton of energy on the court, and off it, he apparently owes it to his message. This team has the right mindset going into this Elite Eight game.
The senior forward came up huge against Iowa State, controlling the paint and delivering several monster finishes. Okpara ended the night with 12 points, 10 rebounds, three blocks, and a steal. His two-way game and rim protection have been the heart and soul of this team, and they will need every ounce of it on Sunday afternoon. He will be tasked with going up against Michigan's giant center Aday Mara, who is a machine down low.
Michigan's tandem of Morez Johnson and Yaxel Lendeborg will be a task for Okpara to keep away from the hoop. He has a lot riding on him, but Rick Barnes and Vols fans know he's capable of delivering.