Now that the Tennessee basketball team has once again proved they are a legit threat this year, they have found their way back into the AP Poll. Tennessee had an awesome week, first off picking up a convincing win versus a sneaky Oklahoma team, but that was an appetizer. The main course was on Saturday when Tennessee took on its rival Vanderbilt in Nashville, and even though the Vols got off to a rough start, it didn’t matter. Tennessee fought tooth and nail, battled back, and grinded out a hard-earned road win. They won by putting the ball in the low post and scoring in the paint. It was a Rick Barnes masterclass, and Tennessee's star Nate Ament stepped up when the Vols needed it most.
Tennessee is rewarded by coming in at No. 22 in the AP Poll this week, its first time in the poll since early February. The Vols are the No. 4 SEC team behind Florida, Alabama, and Arkansas.
BREAKING: College Basketball AP Poll🏀https://t.co/AEi68UWgnQ pic.twitter.com/LuYhcscgfI
— On3 (@On3) February 23, 2026
It doesn't end here for Tennessee basketball
Now that Tennessee is back in the AP Poll, it doesn't mean things are over. They are just beginning. The Vols have a huge week ahead of them, taking on a good Mizzou team that is fighting for a spot in the NCAA tournament. The Tigers just lost a hard-fought road game against Arkansas, and they will be looking to bounce back in a huge spot to boost their March Madness chances.
Plus, Tennessee has a huge game against Alabama on Saturday night, where the Crimson Tide will be looking to avenge their loss in Tuscaloosa when the Vols walked into their own gym and knocked off a ranked Alabama team, shutting them down.
It's becoming clear that Tennessee is a legit Final Four contender, with the Vols winning nine of their last eleven games, proving that Rick Barnes has turned this team around.