Tennessee legend Chris Lofton is already speaking out on the basketball program's potential decision to retire Zakai Zeigler's jersey after a phenomenal college basketball career.
The conversation revolves around the No. 5 jersey, which Zeigler, Lofton, and a few other notable Vols share.
Chris Lofton's No. 5 jersey was retired in 2023, but Zeigler was allowed to continue wearing it after Lofton gave his blessing. Now, the conversation turns to whether there should be two No. 5 jerseys in the rafters with Zeigler next to Lofton.
The Tennessee legend believes that is an easy decision. Lofton claims Zeigler deserves the honor, and Tennessee has to make the decision.
Chris Lofton on if Tennessee should one day retire Zakai Zeigler's No. 5 jersey alongside his: "I think you have to, he deserves it." pic.twitter.com/WB54fvFLSf
— Camille Gear (@CamilleGearTV) April 1, 2025
"I think you have to, you know?" Lofton said about the idea of retiring Zeigler's jersey. "The records he's broken, you know, not just Tennessee records, but some SEC records, and what he's done for this program, like, I think he deserves it too."
Zeigler broke the program record and SEC record for assists in a season this year, totaling 275 assists on the year and 747 assists in his career.
He has also earned some great national and conference recognition, being named a third-team All-American and a two-time SEC Defensive Player of the Year. Lofton acknowledges that in his support for retiring Zeigler's jersey.
"With that Number 5, it's great to, you know, put that on and just have him wear that too," Lofton continued. "It's a special moment. You know, it doesn't happen often, you know, other universities or anywhere. But you know, you know, Tennessee is different. So you know, if they put his numbers up in the rafters, I'll be just fine with it. He deserves it."
Zeigler will go down as one of the best guards to come through Knoxville. His grit and toughness earned him back-to-back SEC Defensive Player of the Year awards over some great defensive players.
His willingness and determination to stay at Tennessee when he could have gone elsewhere in the portal era will also be a highlight of his career, sticking it out for four years on Rocky Top and winning more NCAA Tournament games than any player in program history.
While it might be a while before Tennessee decides or announces whether to retire Zeigler's jersey and hang it alongside Lofton's, the Vols legend has made it clear that it belongs next to his.