Tennessee basketball could be returning its "sixth starter" next year. Jordan Gainey took to social media to hint that he could be coming back to be Tennessee's sixth man of the year this year and next year.
The video, originally posted by Julia Sclortino, features her and Gainey on the basketball court inside Food City Center dancing, with "5th year loading" in the middle of the video. The caption will further excite Vol Nation, as Sclortino posted "6th man of the year this year AND next" with eyeball emojis and tagged Gainey.
Is Jordan Gainey getting his extra year of eligibility?!?👀👀 pic.twitter.com/kSHzcco4KY
— Tri-Star Network (@TriStar_Network) April 24, 2025
This could be nothing, but it could also mean Gainey is applying for a fifth year of eligibility and plans to return to the hardwood next year.
If Gainey returns for the 2025-26 season, it could be Tennessee's biggest addition of the offseason. The Vols currently have limited depth in their guard positions, so returning an experienced and valuable asset like Gainey to the lineup could be a massive addition for the Vols.
Gainey spent the last two seasons at Tennessee after starting his career at USC Upstate. He took a big jump from his junior to senior season, averaging 11.6 points, 1.9 assists, and 2.8 rebounds per game off the bench.
He was one of Tennessee's biggest contributors down the stretch as Tennessee started to get hot in February and March, being one of Tennessee's premier shooters when everyone else went cold.
Gainey averaged 14.6 points per game through the month of March, including the SEC and NCAA Tournaments. Not only did he outperform his season average, but he got better every game and became the Vols' most reliable shooter.
It seems Gainey isn't satisfied with back-to-back Elite 8 appearances in the NCAA Tournament, as he could be looking to return for a fifth year. It is unclear if there is a timetable to announce his return or if there is a possibility he will come back next year.