What to know about the 2025–2026 Tennessee basketball roster and transfer portal

What to Know About Tennessee Basketball Roster and Transfer Portal for the 2025-26 Season

As the 2025-26 season approaches, the Tennessee Volunteers men’s basketball team is gearing up for what promises to be another exciting year of high-level competition in the SEC and the NCAA Tournament. Under the leadership of head coach Kim Caldwell, the Vols have become a dominant force in college basketball, blending a powerful defense with a dynamic offense. As with every season, the Vols’ roster and recruiting efforts play a critical role in their ability to maintain and build upon this success.

Heading into the 2025-26 season, there are several storylines surrounding the Tennessee basketball roster and how the team will evolve after a pivotal offseason. With a blend of returning stars, promising newcomers, and transfer portal additions, the Vols have the potential to compete at the highest levels in the country. The transfer portal has become a crucial element of Tennessee’s offseason strategy, with coach Caldwell and his staff working diligently to shore up the team’s strengths and address weaknesses.

In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the Tennessee basketball roster for the upcoming season, explore the key transfers that could impact the team, and assess how the Vols are positioning themselves for success in what will be a challenging year in the SEC and beyond.

1. The Return of Key Players: Leaders on the Court

One of the major storylines heading into the 2025-26 season is the return of several key players who helped lead Tennessee to success in the previous year. These veterans will serve as the foundation for the Vols, providing both leadership and experience. Let’s take a closer look at some of the standout returners who will be integral to Tennessee’s success this season.

Josiah-Jordan James – Forward

As one of the team’s most experienced and versatile players, Josiah-Jordan James is expected to play a pivotal role in the Vols’ quest for success. James, a senior forward, has been a key contributor on both ends of the floor, providing rebounding, scoring, and defense. His ability to stretch the floor and shoot from the outside has made him a consistent threat for Tennessee, while his leadership on and off the court has been invaluable.

Coming into his final season, James is expected to be one of the focal points of the offense. With his ability to play multiple positions and his experience in high-pressure situations, he will likely be tasked with guiding Tennessee through tough SEC matchups and postseason games. James’ leadership will also be crucial in mentoring the younger players and newcomers to the program.

Santiago Vescovi – Guard

Another key returner is Santiago Vescovi, the sharp-shooting guard from Uruguay. Vescovi has established himself as one of the top perimeter shooters in college basketball, and his offensive skill set will continue to be a major asset for the Vols in 2025-26. His ability to create offense both for himself and his teammates makes him one of the most dangerous players on the roster.

Vescovi’s consistency from beyond the arc and his playmaking ability are qualities that will allow him to contribute in a variety of ways. His leadership and ability to perform in big moments will also be essential for Tennessee as they compete for an SEC title and aim for a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.

Tobe Awaka – Forward

Rounding out the group of experienced returners is Tobe Awaka, a dynamic forward who has shown flashes of brilliance in his previous seasons with the team. Awaka has the potential to become a dominant force in the frontcourt, using his size, strength, and agility to impact both ends of the floor. Whether it’s grabbing rebounds, blocking shots, or finishing around the rim, Awaka’s physicality is a significant asset for Tennessee.

While Awaka is still working to refine his skills and consistency, he has the tools to become one of the most impactful players for the Vols in 2025-26. His development over the offseason will be a key factor in Tennessee’s success, particularly as they look to strengthen their interior play and defense.

2. Incoming Transfers: Shoring Up Gaps and Adding Depth

While Tennessee has several key players returning, the coaching staff has also made moves in the transfer portal to bring in new talent. These transfers will be expected to step in and make an immediate impact, adding depth to the roster and providing support in critical areas of need. Let’s break down the most notable incoming transfers for Tennessee heading into the 2025-26 season.

Brandon Miller – Forward

One of the most exciting transfer additions to the Tennessee roster is Brandon Miller, a transfer forward from Alabama. Miller brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in the SEC, having played for the Crimson Tide in his previous years. Known for his scoring ability, versatility, and high basketball IQ, Miller is expected to play a crucial role for Tennessee in 2025-26.

At 6’9”, Miller’s size and skill set make him an ideal fit for the Vols’ up-tempo style of play. His ability to stretch the floor and contribute offensively from multiple positions will give Tennessee another weapon to complement their returners. Additionally, Miller’s defensive prowess will help solidify Tennessee’s reputation as one of the top defensive teams in the nation.

Tyrese Hunter – Guard

Another key transfer addition is Tyrese Hunter, a talented point guard who comes to Tennessee after a standout season at Iowa State. Hunter is known for his leadership, ball-handling, and ability to create offense for his teammates. As a proven playmaker, he will provide Tennessee with a steady presence in the backcourt and the ability to control the pace of the game.

Hunter’s addition to the roster will help Tennessee’s depth in the backcourt, allowing them to run multiple offensive sets and keep the pressure on opposing defenses. His quickness, ability to penetrate the defense, and leadership qualities will be crucial for Tennessee as they navigate the challenging SEC schedule.

Austin Crowley – Guard

Tennessee has also added Austin Crowley, a skilled guard from Southern Mississippi, to their roster. Crowley is a player who has proven himself as an elite scorer, capable of filling it up from beyond the arc and driving to the basket. He brings an additional scoring threat to the team, which will help complement the offensive versatility of Vescovi and Miller.

While Crowley is known for his scoring ability, he also provides defensive intensity and the willingness to compete in every possession. His addition gives the Vols more flexibility on offense and defense, and his experience will be valuable in high-pressure situations.

3. Impact Freshmen: The Next Generation of Vols

While the transfer portal has been a focus for the Vols this offseason, coach Caldwell and his staff have also secured some highly-touted freshmen to add to the mix. These incoming recruits are expected to provide immediate depth and contribute to the program’s long-term success. Here are a couple of the top freshmen to watch for Tennessee in 2025-26.

Isaiah West – Guard

One of the top incoming freshmen for the Vols is Isaiah West, a guard out of Chicago. West is a dynamic scorer with excellent ball-handling skills and an ability to create shots for himself and others. His ability to penetrate defenses and score in transition will provide Tennessee with a much-needed boost in the backcourt.

West’s potential as an offensive playmaker could make him an immediate contributor, especially as the Vols look to build on their depth and scoring options. His competitiveness and high basketball IQ will also make him an asset on the defensive end, where he is expected to develop into a lockdown defender.

Lance Caldwell – Forward

Another promising freshman is Lance Caldwell, a forward with great size and athleticism. At 6’8”, Caldwell brings a blend of scoring, rebounding, and defensive abilities to the team. His physicality and versatility make him a perfect fit for Tennessee’s aggressive, fast-paced style of play.

While Caldwell may need time to adjust to the college game, his potential as a two-way player will be a valuable addition to the roster. His presence in the paint and ability to stretch the floor will help Tennessee build a balanced roster that can compete at the highest levels.

4. Tennessee’s Strengths Heading into the 2025-26 Season

With the additions of key transfers and freshmen, as well as the return of established players, the Tennessee Volunteers have the pieces in place to make a significant run in the SEC and the NCAA Tournament. Here are some of the team’s strengths heading into the season:

Defense

Tennessee has long been known for its suffocating defense, and 2025-26 promises to be no different. With returning players like Tobe Awaka and Josiah-Jordan James, along with transfer additions like Brandon Miller, the Vols will continue to be one of the top defensive teams in the country. Tennessee’s ability to pressure opposing offenses, limit second-chance opportunities, and create turnovers will be key to their success.

Versatility and Depth

The Vols have assembled a roster full of versatile players who can contribute in a variety of ways. With a mix of returning veterans and talented newcomers, Tennessee has the depth to compete in a grueling SEC schedule and beyond. This versatility will allow Tennessee to adjust their style of play based on the opponent, making them a difficult team to scout and game-plan for.

Offensive Firepower

With players like Santiago Vescovi, Brandon Miller, and Tyrese Hunter, Tennessee will have the offensive firepower to compete with any team in the country. The ability to score in transition, knock down perimeter shots, and attack the rim will make the Vols an offensive juggernaut. Their ability to share the ball and run efficient offensive sets will be crucial as they aim for success in both conference play and the postseason.

5. Looking Ahead: The 2025-26 Season

The Tennessee Volunteers basketball team is poised to compete at the highest levels in 2025-26. With a strong returning core, impactful transfers, and highly-touted freshmen, the Vols have all the tools necessary to make a deep run in the SEC Tournament and NCAA Tournament. As coach Kim Caldwell continues to develop this team, Tennessee fans should be excited about the possibilities