The 2026 class for Tennessee basketball is now complete, with the Vols adding plenty of good talent to the roster. Now, Rick Barnes has shifted his focus to building on that class by developing a strong group in 2027. There haven't been any top targets named just yet, but Barnes has begun to throw his name in the mix for a 7-foot-1 big man to kick things off.
Vegas odds say Tennessee might be closer to contention than anyone thinks
That said, Tennessee just offered Akol Nyok, a 7-foot-1, 195-pound center from Miami Columbus High School in Florida. Nyok right now is seen as more of a developmental big man who has the potential to eventually make the NBA should he reach his ceiling. He is obviously very thin as of right now, and adding quality weight will be something that Nyok needs to focus on. He reminds me a lot of Chris Washington, who the Vols added in the 2026 class. They play different positions, but they both need to add strength and some refinement to their game to reach their full ceiling. I always love taking a chance on a huge potential target. It's something you have to do in every recruiting class.
Tennessee has offered 7-1 big man Akol Nyok, @247Sports is told. https://t.co/gZbqvuvklQ pic.twitter.com/O2pRWrTtjY
— Dushawn London (@DushawnLondon1) May 27, 2026
Tennessee offers 7'1 center Akol Nyok
The only recruiting service that has him ranked is Rivals, which lists Nyok as a three-star and the No. 119 player in the 2027 class. I wouldn't take too much stock in this ranking, though. Nyok has battled injuries and has always been viewed as a more raw player who could break out. Who doesn't like a 7-foot center with a ton of potential?
Nyok is the exact player Tennessee needs. Barnes has always stressed having athletic centers who can catch lobs, rebound, and defend. Nyok can do all of this. He's a big-time athlete who is a tower in the hoop, taking care of the rim and van garb misses to support the Vols' guards. He moves very well, too, for a 7-footer, something that's somewhat rare.
Right now, Nyok is still a bit under the radar with only nine offers, but several solid programs have entered the mix. Schools like Marquette and Saint Louis have offered, both of which are known for doing a good job with player development. Josh Schertz at Saint Louis is a big-time coach who even got NBA looks this offseason, so if he's interested in a player, it's a good sign.
All in all, there is still a long way to go in the 2027 class and this recruitment, but it’s good to see Barnes starting to plant seeds early on. If Nyok truly breaks out, having Tennessee as an early offer could pay big dividends down the road.
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