Tracker for the Lady Vols basketball transfer portal: Who is eligible for Kim Caldwell’s 2025–2026 roster?

As the 2024–2025 NCAA women’s basketball season draws to a close, the Tennessee Lady Volunteers are gearing up for a new chapter under head coach Kim Caldwell. The team’s roster is undergoing significant changes as the Lady Vols use the transfer portal to fill crucial gaps in the squad. The 2025–2026 season marks a period of transformation, as Caldwell seeks to build a more competitive, dynamic team, capable of challenging for top honors in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and the NCAA Tournament.

The transfer portal has been an essential tool for Caldwell to reshape the roster and provide additional depth. With several key players departing and new talent arriving, the team’s eligibility for the upcoming season depends on a combination of transfers, returning players, and the strategic use of available scholarships. Below is a detailed breakdown of the transfers, departures, and the players who will be eligible to play for Tennessee in the 2025–2026 season.

Key Incoming Transfers

1. Ja’Kobi Gillespie (Point Guard, 5-10, Junior) One of the most highly anticipated transfers for the Lady Vols is Ja’Kobi Gillespie, a standout point guard from the University of Maryland. Gillespie, a Tennessee native, comes to the Lady Vols after a stellar junior season, where she averaged 14.7 points and 4.8 assists per game. Gillespie has experience playing at the high-major level and brings an ability to score and distribute the ball effectively. Her leadership and experience will be invaluable, especially as the Lady Vols look to replace the leadership in the backcourt left by the departure of their previous point guard. Gillespie’s vision on the floor and her scoring versatility make her an excellent fit for Caldwell’s fast-paced, up-tempo offense.
2. Alyssa Latham (Forward, 6-2, Sophomore) Another important addition to the Lady Vols roster is Alyssa Latham, a versatile forward transferring from Syracuse University. Latham made an immediate impact in the ACC as a freshman, earning All-Freshman honors in 2024. Over the course of her freshman season, Latham averaged 8.6 points and 7.0 rebounds per game. Her ability to play both inside and out makes her a unique threat on the floor. Latham’s rebounding ability will help bolster Tennessee’s presence in the paint, while her offensive game will add much-needed depth to the frontcourt. Her transition to the SEC will be watched closely, as it is expected to test her against some of the nation’s top competition.
3. Lazaria Spearman (Forward, 6-4, Junior) Lazaria Spearman, a transfer from the University of Miami, brings a strong defensive presence and rebounding ability to the Lady Vols. Spearman, who averaged 6.3 points and 6.0 rebounds per game in the 2024–2025 season, is known for her tenacity on the boards and her ability to affect the game defensively. Her physical style of play will help Tennessee in its pursuit of a tougher, more aggressive defensive identity under Coach Caldwell. In addition to her defensive capabilities, Spearman’s size and versatility allow her to contribute offensively, making her a well-rounded addition to the team.
4. Samara Spencer (Point Guard, 5-7, Senior) Samara Spencer, a transfer from the University of Arkansas, brings experience and leadership to the Lady Vols backcourt. Over the course of her career with the Razorbacks, Spencer established herself as one of the top point guards in the SEC, averaging 13.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game in the 2024–2025 season. Spencer’s ability to control the tempo of the game and score in a variety of ways will provide a steadying influence on Tennessee’s offense. Her SEC pedigree also makes her an invaluable asset in terms of experience, especially as she enters her senior season at Tennessee.
5. Ruby Whitehorn (Guard, 5-11, Junior) Ruby Whitehorn comes to Tennessee from Clemson University, where she was a consistent scoring threat. Whitehorn averaged 12.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game during the 2024–2025 season, and her scoring ability will be a significant addition to Tennessee’s perimeter game. Whitehorn’s size and versatility as a guard allow her to play multiple positions, and her defensive abilities will help solidify Tennessee’s backcourt rotation. Coach Caldwell will likely look to Whitehorn as a key contributor, particularly in high-pressure situations, given her experience in the ACC.
6. Rapuluchi Ayodele (Forward, 6-2, Junior) Another exciting transfer for the Lady Vols is Rapuluchi Ayodele, a forward from the University of Pittsburgh. Ayodele brings strong rebounding and defensive skills to the team, having averaged 6.2 rebounds per game in the 2024–2025 season. Though her offensive output may not have been as high as some of the other transfers, Ayodele’s grit and work ethic on the boards will be invaluable to Tennessee’s defensive efforts. With her physical presence in the paint, Ayodele will help the Lady Vols dominate in the post, both offensively and defensively, contributing to Caldwell’s emphasis on toughness and rebounding.

Departures

While the incoming transfers have bolstered the team, several key players are departing, and their absences will be felt. Some players entered the transfer portal, seeking more playing time or a new opportunity to finish their careers at a different program. Among the notable departures is Karoline Striplin, a 6-3 forward who averaged 7.2 points and 3.1 rebounds per game during the 2024–2025 season. Striplin’s departure leaves a gap in Tennessee’s frontcourt, but the addition of Latham and Spearman should help fill that void. Additionally, there are some players who have chosen to pursue professional opportunities, including those entering the WNBA Draft.

Team Outlook for 2025–2026

The Tennessee Lady Vols are poised for an exciting 2025–2026 season, with a mixture of transfers and returning players set to create a formidable roster. Coach Caldwell’s philosophy of fast-paced, aggressive basketball will be complemented by the influx of experience and talent brought in via the transfer portal. With a mix of backcourt playmakers like Gillespie and Spencer and a strong presence in the frontcourt with Latham, Spearman, and Ayodele, the Lady Vols will have the depth and versatility to challenge for SEC titles and national recognition.

In addition to the new transfers, the Lady Vols will be welcoming back some key returnees who will provide leadership and stability for the team. These players, combined with the incoming talent, will give Caldwell the tools to implement her vision of building a competitive team that can play at a high level on both ends of the floor.

Tennessee’s 2025–2026 Roster Construction and Key Needs

As Coach Caldwell builds the team for the 2025–2026 season, several key needs remain. First, the Lady Vols need to ensure strong leadership from both their backcourt and frontcourt. While players like Gillespie and Spencer bring experience, the team will need additional leadership and maturity, especially from those returning players who have experience in the SEC.

Additionally, Tennessee’s focus on rebounding will be critical to its success. With the addition of Latham, Spearman, and Ayodele, the Lady Vols will likely have a more aggressive presence in the paint, which will be essential in SEC play. Caldwell’s commitment to building a team that plays tough defense and capitalizes on second-chance opportunities will depend on the team’s ability to secure rebounds and limit opposing teams’ offensive boards.

The ability to defend the perimeter and limit opponents’ three-point shooting will also be a key area of emphasis for Tennessee. With Whitehorn and Spencer providing size and length on the perimeter, Caldwell will have the tools to build a more complete defensive strategy.

Conclusion: A Promising Future for the Lady Vols

The Tennessee Lady Volunteers are entering a new era under head coach Kim Caldwell, and the 2025–2026 season promises to be one of growth and potential. With a roster filled with experienced transfers and a strong group of returning players, the Lady Vols are in prime position to compete for both SEC and NCAA titles. The transfer portal has allowed Caldwell to reshape the roster, bringing in players who can immediately contribute to the team’s success. As the team continues to develop chemistry and adjust to Caldwell’s system, the Lady Vols will be a force to be reckoned with in the coming season.

With a blend of skill, experience, and depth, Tennessee’s future looks incredibly bright as they prepare for a new chapter in their storied basketball history.