Rick Barnes and the Tennessee basketball program have been going through a rough stretch. The Vols have dropped their last three games, and they take on Louisville next Tuesday in a heavyweight bout. The good news is the Vols have a week off to clean up mistakes and get back to it.
In the meantime, Rick Barnes has been working his tail off on the recruiting trail. Could the Vols land another 5-star? Based on recent reports, the Vols are right in the thick of it for one.
Joe Tipton of On3 reported that 5-star point guard Deron Rippey Jr. is nearing a decision, and it could come in the next 30 days.
5⭐️ Deron Rippey Jr. is nearing a college decision.
— Joe Tipton (@JoeTipton) December 9, 2025
One team has quietly gained ground and is now carrying momentum: https://t.co/QPwey6I4qU pic.twitter.com/rBpzZeXNz5
5-star Deron Rippey Jr. nearing decision
With a decision coming soon, Vols fans could get an early Christmas gift with a pledge from Rippey Jr. Right now, rivals has him rated as the sixth-ranked player in the nation and the number two point guard in the 2026 class. Rippey Jr. possesses offers from pretty much every major college basketball program, including Kansas, Duke, Kentucky, North Carolina, and a plethora of others.
But here’s the twist, Duke is reportedly gaining steam in his recruitment, according to Tipton. The good news for Tennessee fans is that Tipton has not ruled out the possibility of the Vols making a last-second push for Rippey Jr.
To make matters even more intriguing, Rippey Jr is the perfect fit for a Rick Barnes team. He plays a two-way game that has effort for all 40 minutes. He's not just an athlete who defends well, Rippey Jr. can score at all three levels. His offensive game still could use some polishing, but he has all the tools for a prototypical Rick Barnes floor general.
With a decision coming soon, Vols fans should be on the lookout for Rippey Jr. potentially joining the 2026 class. Right now, Tennessee basketball has three signees in 2026: point guard Marquis Clark, Shooting guard Manny Green, and small forward Ralph Scott.
Soon enough, we will know if Rick Barnes has added a fourth member to the Vols' 2026 class.