The Tennessee Volunteers have pulled off a major recruiting victory in the women’s basketball class of 2026, securing a commitment from five-star forward Jacy Abii. Abii, one of the most coveted prospects in the nation, chose Tennessee over powerhouse programs Duke and LSU.
In a significant development for collegiate women’s basketball, the Tennessee Volunteers have secured a commitment from five-star forward Jacy Abii, a standout in the Class of 2026. This move not only bolsters Tennessee’s recruiting efforts but also places them in direct competition with powerhouse programs such as Duke and LSU, who were also vying for Abii’s talents.
Jacy Abii, standing at 6 feet 2 inches, has rapidly ascended the ranks of high school basketball. As a sophomore at Frisco Liberty High School in Texas, she led her team to back-to-back Class 5A state championships. In the 2024 title game, Abii delivered an exceptional performance, scoring 30 points, grabbing 12 rebounds, and dishing out four assists, earning her the game’s MVP honors . Her ability to perform under pressure and her versatile skill set have made her a highly sought-after recruit.
Beyond her high school achievements, Abii has represented the United States on the international stage. In 2023, she was a member of the U.S. U16 Women’s National Team that competed in the FIBA Americas U16 Championship in Mexico. Starting all six games, she averaged 8.3 points, 5 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 2 steals per game, contributing to the team’s gold medal victory .
Abii’s recruitment process was closely watched by many of the nation’s top programs. She narrowed her list to 16 finalists, including Tennessee, Duke, LSU, UConn, South Carolina, Texas, and others . Factors influencing her decision included the program’s playing style, location, team culture, and the opportunity to grow in her faith. Her commitment to Tennessee signifies the program’s growing prominence in women’s college basketball and its ability to attract elite talent.
Head Coach Kim Caldwell and her staff have been instrumental in building a competitive program at Tennessee. In the 2025 recruiting cycle, they secured a top-two class, featuring players like Mia and Mya Pauldo, Deniya Prawl, Jaida Civil, and Lauren Hurst . The addition of Abii to this group further strengthens the team’s prospects for the future.
Abii’s commitment to Tennessee is a testament to the program’s vision and its commitment to excellence. With her talent and potential, she is poised to make a significant impact on the collegiate basketball scene in the coming years.
