Many fans might not remember this because he didn’t make a huge impact in Knoxville, but Freddie Dilione actually started his career at Tennessee. As a freshman, he averaged just 1.7 points in 5.2 minutes per game and appeared in only 18 games before entering the transfer portal. He eventually found his way to Happy Valley to play at Penn State.
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Ever since joining Penn State, Dilione has had a pretty nice career. As a sophomore, he put up 9.4 a game and started 28 games. This past season, Dilione was a stud, averaging 14 points a game on an efficient 47.3% from the field. Looking back, this one hurts losing him, but the Vols have had so much depth at guard that he wouldn't have played big minutes until this year.
To go a step further, it's now being reported that Dilione will enter the portal for his senior season, looking to find a new home.
NEW: Penn State guard Freddie Dilione V plans to enter the NCAA transfer portal, @JoeTipton reports.
— Transfer Portal (@TransferPortal) April 1, 2026
Dilione averaged 14.0 points and 3.2 rebounds per game last season.https://t.co/052BF6ovB2 pic.twitter.com/qrTFcLSsdu
Former Vol guard Freddie Dilione V is in the portal again
I’d imagine Dilione lands at a top-25 type school. He put up 14 points per game in arguably the toughest conference in college basketball, and did it efficiently. On top of that, he’s a solid passer who can score in multiple ways, making him a very versatile weapon. He's a combo guard who a team can use as a secondary ball handler, which is always a valuable asset, especially when he's a veteran.
Not to mention, there is potential for a reunion with Rick Barnes as well. Tennessee could use some more depth on the wing, and depending on whether any of the current roster leave, it could be a good match. Tennessee could use some more shooting, even with the addition of Tyler Lundblade, and Dilione's strong suit isn't the deep shot, but that's okay. He can provide a two-way energy role for Tennessee if he were to come back.
The coming weeks will be telling on how Rick Barnes wants to assemble the Vols roster. He has plenty of holes to fill, and all eyes will be ready for what's next.