Who will play basketball for Tennessee in 2025? Sweet 16 for March Madness?

As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, it’s difficult to provide specific names for Tennessee’s basketball roster in 2025 or predict whether they will make the Sweet 16 of March Madness. College basketball rosters change significantly every year due to player graduation, NBA draft declarations, and transfers. However, I can help you with a general analysis of what the Tennessee Volunteers’ basketball team might look like in 2025, based on trends in recruiting, coaching, and team performance, as well as the state of college basketball at the time.

To break down this prediction, let’s examine several key aspects: Tennessee’s basketball program history, the coaching staff’s trajectory, potential player development, recruiting classes, and how these elements might influence the team’s chances of making a Sweet 16 appearance in 2025.

Tennessee Basketball History and Culture

Tennessee basketball has had a rich and consistent history of success, especially under current head coach Rick Barnes, who took over in 2015. Barnes has helped elevate the program, leading the Vols to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances, with several of those resulting in deep runs. Tennessee reached the Sweet 16 in 2019, showcasing the team’s potential on the national stage. However, the program had its ups and downs, especially before Barnes took over, including struggles with inconsistency and early-round exits from the NCAA Tournament.

Barnes has created a culture that emphasizes defense, toughness, and high basketball IQ. His teams often pride themselves on strong defensive schemes and hard-nosed play, which has made them competitive against some of the nation’s top programs. The Vols have also been known to recruit players who fit this tough, blue-collar mentality, and Barnes has worked hard to keep Tennessee competitive in the SEC, a conference that has grown in stature over the last decade.

Rick Barnes and the Coaching Strategy in 2025

Assuming Rick Barnes is still at the helm in 2025, his leadership will play a significant role in shaping the Vols’ success. Barnes, known for his ability to develop players, has a strong track record of getting the most out of his teams, especially in the postseason. He is also a recruiter with an eye for talent, frequently landing players who not only fit his defensive-oriented system but also contribute offensively.

If Barnes continues as head coach, we can expect Tennessee to remain competitive, both in the SEC and nationally. His ability to develop players over multiple years is something that bodes well for the Vols in 2025, especially since many of the players he recruits tend to improve steadily in their time at Tennessee.

Potential Roster Breakdown for 2025

While it’s impossible to predict the exact roster for 2025, we can make some educated guesses based on the direction the program is heading and trends in college basketball. Tennessee’s success in the future will likely depend on a combination of returning players, high-profile recruits, and potential transfers.

Returning Players

As of the 2021-2022 season, Tennessee had several promising underclassmen, including players like Zakai Zeigler (freshman), Jonas Aidoo (freshman), and others who could continue to develop into key contributors by 2025. However, the college basketball landscape changes quickly, and players may leave early for the NBA, transfer to other schools, or move into professional leagues overseas. With the current trend of early NBA departures and the transfer portal being a huge factor, we can’t predict exactly which players might still be around in 2025.

However, Tennessee has developed a strong pipeline of talent, and with players staying for longer periods, the 2025 roster might have a strong mix of veteran players with experience in the SEC and new, talented recruits ready to make an immediate impact.

Key Recruits

Tennessee has historically been a strong player in the recruiting landscape, bringing in highly ranked prospects. In recent years, the Vols have landed 4- and 5-star recruits, such as Kennedy Chandler (a top point guard) and Jaden Springer (a combo guard). By 2025, Tennessee’s recruiting class would likely feature a mix of top-tier high school talent along with a few transfers from other programs.

In particular, Tennessee’s recruitment strategy under Barnes has focused on landing skilled big men and athletic wings, which is crucial for success in both the SEC and NCAA Tournament. If Barnes continues to recruit at a high level, Tennessee could be adding high-impact players in 2025. The Vols have consistently been in the mix for top-ranked players, and we would expect them to land more top-tier talent in future recruiting classes.

Some positions to watch for the 2025 roster include:

• Point guard: A key position for Tennessee’s offense, where a talented playmaker can make a significant impact. Tennessee may look to add a dynamic ball-handler and passer.
• Shooting guard/wings: Players who can defend, shoot the ball, and create their own offense are always crucial in Barnes’ system. A 6’5″-6’8″ athlete who can stretch the floor will likely be a priority.
• Big men: Barnes has traditionally recruited strong, athletic bigs who can protect the rim, rebound, and finish around the basket. A versatile, athletic 5-man who can run the floor would fit well into Barnes’ system.

Key Transfers

With the increasing importance of the transfer portal, Tennessee may also benefit from veteran players who transfer from other schools. The portal has allowed programs like Tennessee to bolster their rosters with experienced players who can make an immediate impact. Whether they add a veteran point guard, a versatile forward, or a skilled shooter, Tennessee is likely to benefit from this trend in 2025.

Tennessee’s Path to the Sweet 16

Making the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament is always a challenging feat, especially in an era where there is so much parity in college basketball. For Tennessee to make it to the second weekend of the tournament in 2025, several things will need to fall into place:

1. Strong Regular Season Performance: To secure a good seeding in the NCAA Tournament, Tennessee must perform well in the SEC and non-conference play. This means winning key games against SEC rivals, including Kentucky, Alabama, and Arkansas, while also notching some signature wins in non-conference matchups.
2. Balanced Offensive and Defensive Play: Historically, Tennessee has been a strong defensive team under Rick Barnes, and that won’t change in 2025. However, the team will need to improve offensively to be truly dangerous in the NCAA Tournament. Whether it’s through continued player development or by adding a dynamic scoring option through recruiting or the transfer portal, having a balanced offense to complement their defense will be crucial.
3. Player Development: Barnes is known for developing players into NBA-caliber talents. In 2025, players like Zeigler, Aidoo, or any highly ranked recruits could be much more polished and capable of leading Tennessee to a deep tournament run. Player growth is crucial in March Madness, and Tennessee’s system is designed to help players improve year after year.
4. March Madness Experience: Tournament success often hinges on experience and composure. By 2025, Tennessee will likely have players with several years of NCAA Tournament experience, which is invaluable in high-pressure situations. Having key players who have been through the grind of March Madness and understand how to win close games will be essential.
5. Coaching Strategy: Rick Barnes has a solid track record of coaching in the NCAA Tournament. His game plans, adjustments, and ability to motivate his players will be critical in March Madness. He’s been known to do well in the tournament, and by 2025, he will likely have honed his skills even further.