With Tennessee having six transfers out and Ethan Burg returning home to Israel, the Vols have seen multiple former players move on. Two have stayed in the SEC, and now Rick Barnes will be preparing to face another.
Tennessee’s portal success continues, but Rick Barnes still has two major roster needs
Former Tennessee freshman wing Amari Evans has announced his commitment to Sean Miller and the Texas Longhorns. This is a great get for Miller, especially with many Vols fans expecting a breakout sophomore season from him. Last year, he averaged 4.1 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.0 steals per game in 35 games. Evans' most impactful moments are on the defensive end, where he's a lockdown perimeter defender.
NEWS: Tennessee transfer Amari Evans has committed to Texas, he announced on Instagram. pic.twitter.com/HIRJoINYA0
— The Field of 68 (@TheFieldOf68) April 17, 2026
Former Vol Amari Evans is heading to Texas
Sean Miller does have a prior relationship with Evans, so its not a huge surprise that they have reunited. Tennessee beat out Xavier in his recruitment out of high school, where Miller used to coach prior to Texas. Along with a pay raise, this all makes sense.
Looking ahead, you can bet Evans will try to make a statement when he goes up against the Vols next season. He was always a fan favorite for his energy and defensive effort. He still needs to develop offensively, but he’s a really strong player.
What really hurts is that Barnes has not added a lockdown perimeter defender to this roster to replace Evans and Bishop Boswell. That is something the Vols really need if they want to compete at a high level next year, as Barnes' team is always built on elite defense, toughness, and physicality.
Either way, it’s a tough pill to swallow seeing Evans stay in the SEC alongside Cade Phillips and Jaylen Carey. The revenge games will be fun, but they could also come back to hurt Tennessee. Only time will tell.
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