We really don't even want to think about it, but the days of Zakai Zeigler suiting up for the Tennessee Vols are numbered. In the best-case scenario, Zeigler will be playing in four more games for UT to close out his incredible career. That'd of course mean the Vols would reach the title game.
With that said, this indeed is his last year in Knoxville and it's not going to be easy for this team not having him making plays on both ends next campaign. Enter Donovan Dent? The New Mexico standout has entered the transfer portal after an unreal season with the Lobos. Per multiple reports, Tennessee is among the many teams in contact:
New Mexico transfer Donovan Dent, one of the top overall players in the portal, tells @LeagueRDY he’s heard from these schools since entering the transfer portal:
— Sam Kayser - 24/7 High School Hoops (@247HSHoops) March 26, 2025
Kentucky
Louisville
UCLA
North Carolina
Gonzaga
USC
Tennessee
Texas Tech 
He averaged 20.4PPG, 6.4APG, 2.3RPG… pic.twitter.com/nVGmQFNPyb
Tennessee has shown interest in standout point guard Donovan Dent
Dent is coming off a tremendous 2024-25 with New Mexico. He was named the Mountain West Player of the Year after averaging 20.4 points and 6.4 assists per game. Now that he's in the transfer portal, he's widely considered one of the best available players for teams to go after.
Tennessee of course isn't the only program in on him, as he's also heard from Kentucky, Louisville, North Carolina, Xavier and many others. Xavier is certainly a school to keep a close eye on here too, as former UNM head coach Richard Pitino is taking over the program in Cincinnati.
Could Dent end up following him there? We sure hope not. As for the Vols, this team indeed needs a new stud point guard to take over running the offense moving forward. Tennessee just landed a commitment from 2025 PG Troy Henderson, but he's going to need some time to develop.
While Barnes and his staff are fully focused on Kentucky and the Sweet Sixteen, he's also got the portal a bit on his mind too. Working to get Dent to campus for an official visit would be the ideal next step. That will have to come after Friday's matchup, if it happens, though.