Playing for Vandy and giving us fits this season, 6’8″ sophomore forward “Jaylen Carey” looks like he could be a future Tennessee Volunteer.

As college basketball fans closely follow the fortunes of the Tennessee Volunteers, it’s hard not to notice the stellar performances of players from rival schools in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). One player who has already made an impression in the SEC and is generating buzz for the future is Jaylen Carey, a 6’8″ sophomore forward who has been giving Tennessee fits in recent matchups with Vanderbilt. Although he plays for a rival program, it’s hard not to appreciate the potential and skill Carey possesses, which makes him a player to watch for future seasons. With his impressive play on both sides of the floor and his physical tools, Carey could very well be a player that Tennessee fans might one day cheer for as a Volunteer, depending on his decision in the coming seasons.

A Growing Force at Vanderbilt

Jaylen Carey’s journey to becoming a standout player at Vanderbilt has been nothing short of impressive. Standing at 6’8″, he possesses the rare combination of size, athleticism, and skill that makes him a difficult matchup for any opponent. As a sophomore, Carey has quickly emerged as one of the key players for the Commodores, and his ability to impact the game on both ends of the court has made him a critical piece of Vanderbilt’s team.

Over the course of the 2024-2025 season, Carey has posted impressive numbers for the Commodores, averaging 14.2 points per game and 7.6 rebounds per game. These statistics, along with his continued development as a player, demonstrate his potential to become one of the best forwards in the SEC. While Vanderbilt may not always be a title contender, Carey’s presence has kept them competitive, especially in matchups against powerhouses like Tennessee, where his size and athleticism were on full display.

What stands out about Carey’s game is his versatility. At 6’8″, he is capable of playing both inside and outside, showcasing a refined offensive game that includes post moves, mid-range shooting, and even the occasional three-pointer. His ability to stretch the floor as a forward makes him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. On the defensive end, Carey is a presence in the paint, using his size and length to challenge shots and grab rebounds. His ability to switch on smaller guards and challenge bigger forwards has made him an integral part of Vanderbilt’s defensive scheme.

In Tennessee’s recent games against Vanderbilt, Carey has been a major contributor, regularly putting up double figures in scoring and making crucial plays when his team needed him. He has given Tennessee’s defense fits, often forcing the Volunteers to adjust their defensive schemes to account for his size and scoring ability. Carey’s performance against Tennessee has certainly not gone unnoticed, as many within the Vols’ fanbase and coaching staff have recognized his talent.

The Case for Jaylen Carey at Tennessee

While Jaylen Carey has made a name for himself as a Vanderbilt player, there’s growing speculation that he could one day find his way to Knoxville, where he could make an even greater impact as part of the Tennessee Volunteers. With head coach Kim Caldwell leading the Lady Vols into a new era, Carey could be the type of player who fits seamlessly into the program’s vision of fast-paced, aggressive basketball.

As Tennessee continues to recruit top-tier talent, they will need to look at players like Carey who not only have the skill set to succeed in the SEC but also the potential to elevate the team’s level of play. Here’s a breakdown of why Jaylen Carey could be a natural fit for the Tennessee Volunteers, should he decide to transfer or leave Vanderbilt early for the professional ranks.

1. Immediate Impact and Position Flexibility

At 6’8″, Carey has the size and versatility to play multiple positions, which could make him an incredibly valuable asset to Tennessee. Head coach Kim Caldwell values players who can adapt to different roles and contribute in various ways, and Carey’s ability to fill several roles—whether it’s as a traditional power forward, a stretch forward, or even as a wing player—would give the Volunteers flexibility in how they use him.

His rebounding ability is another reason why Carey would be an asset to Tennessee. The Volunteers have consistently been among the top teams in the SEC in terms of rebounding, and with Carey’s natural instincts and size, he could help Tennessee dominate the boards even more. His physicality in the paint would also allow Tennessee to be more aggressive defensively, challenging shots and protecting the rim. His defensive capabilities make him an ideal candidate to lock down opposing forwards and guards, a skill Tennessee values in its players.

2. Offensive Potential and Skill Development

Offensively, Carey’s game is still evolving, and that is a huge selling point for Tennessee. As a sophomore, he has already shown the ability to stretch the floor and attack from multiple angles. He is a solid mid-range shooter and has shown flashes of three-point range, which is increasingly important in today’s game, especially in the SEC. As the Volunteers look to expand their offensive game under Caldwell, adding a player like Carey who can contribute both in the post and from the perimeter would diversify the team’s attack and give Tennessee a legitimate offensive weapon.

Under Caldwell’s coaching, Carey could take his game to the next level. Caldwell is known for her ability to develop players’ skills and help them reach their full potential, and Carey’s already impressive offensive skill set would thrive in her system. As a forward with excellent ball-handling and a keen basketball IQ, Carey could become a more dynamic offensive player in a high-tempo offense, creating mismatches for defenders and opening up more opportunities for his teammates.

3. The Appeal of Playing for a Championship Contender

While Vanderbilt is a competitive team in the SEC, Tennessee’s championship pedigree is hard to ignore. The Volunteers have consistently been one of the top teams in the country, with a rich history and a track record of competing for SEC titles and NCAA championships. For a player like Carey, joining a program with such a high profile could provide him with the opportunity to elevate his game to a national stage.

The Lady Vols’ presence on the national scene and their ability to recruit top-tier talent makes Tennessee an appealing destination for any player looking to make a significant impact. Playing at a school like Tennessee, with its rich basketball history and competitive culture, would give Carey the opportunity to compete at the highest level, not just in the SEC but nationally. The program’s exposure and resources could also help further develop Carey’s game and prepare him for a potential professional career, whether in the WNBA or overseas.

The Role of Rivalry in Recruiting

One of the more intriguing aspects of this potential recruitment is the fact that Carey currently plays for Vanderbilt, Tennessee’s SEC rival. Rivalries in college sports often make for some of the most intense and high-stakes recruitment battles, and this situation is no different. While Carey has already showcased his skills against Tennessee and played a major role in frustrating the Volunteers on the court, it could be even more intriguing if he were to join the team that he has been going head-to-head with in recent seasons.

The potential transfer or recruitment of a player from a rival school is often seen as a major victory for the program acquiring him, and Tennessee would certainly relish the opportunity to add a player of Carey’s caliber, especially from a team like Vanderbilt. For Carey, the chance to move from a rival to a top contender could be the perfect opportunity to grow as a player and compete for championships.

The Future: Can Jaylen Carey Join the Vols?

The future of Jaylen Carey’s recruitment is still uncertain. He’s only a sophomore at Vanderbilt, and there are many factors that will play into his eventual decision regarding whether to stay with the Commodores, transfer, or enter the professional ranks early. Regardless of what happens, Carey’s future in college basketball is bright, and the possibility of him joining Tennessee is a tantalizing one for fans of the Volunteers.

If Carey does choose to make the move to Tennessee, it could be the beginning of a new chapter for both him and the Volunteers. Tennessee has proven itself to be a team that can develop players and help them achieve their potential, and Carey would certainly benefit from joining a program with such a strong coaching staff and culture.

As the 2025–2026 season approaches, all eyes will be on Jaylen Carey to see where he lands. Whether he continues to give Tennessee fits as a member of Vanderbilt or becomes a Volunteer, one thing is for certain: his talent is undeniable, and his potential for greatness is sky-high.