Last updated: November 1, 2026
Tennessee basketball opens 2026-27 at No. 8 in the AP preseason poll despite losing all five starters, after Rick Barnes rebuilt the roster with one of the country’s top transfer classes. The Vols open Tuesday, November 3, against Wofford, then face a schedule built around Kentucky, Vanderbilt and preseason No. 1 Florida.
Quick summary
- Tennessee went 25-12 (11-7 SEC) last season and reached a program-record third straight Elite Eight.
- The Vols are No. 8 in the AP preseason Top 25, released October 19.
- Barnes, in his 12th season, lost all five starters and reloaded with transfers led by Wake Forest’s Juke Harris (21.4 points per game).
- Key dates: Michigan State on Nov. 17, Vanderbilt to open SEC play on Jan. 2, Kentucky on Jan. 23 and Feb. 13, and Florida on Jan. 30.
Last Season in Review
Tennessee finished 2025-26 at 25-12 overall and 11-7 in the SEC, extending its run of 25-win seasons to five straight. The Vols also reached their third consecutive Elite Eight, a program record, before their season ended one step short of the Final Four again. That history is why expectations stay high even with a new roster.
Tennessee Basketball Roster: Built Through Transfers
The AP season preview calls this perhaps Barnes’ biggest challenge in Knoxville. Nate Ament went 13th overall to the Milwaukee Bucks, Ja’Kobi Gillespie (18.4 points per game) was a late NBA draft selection, J.P. Estrella transferred to Michigan and Jaylen Carey went to Missouri.
CBS Sports reported that Tennessee’s transfer class ranked No. 2 nationally on 247Sports, behind Louisville.
Key newcomers
- Juke Harris, wing, Wake Forest: 21.4 points and 6.5 rebounds per game
- Dai Dai Ames, point guard, Cal: 16.9 points per game
- Jalen Haralson, guard, Notre Dame: 16.2 points per game
- Tyler Lundblade, guard, Belmont: 15.6 points per game, 43.2% career three-point shooter
- Terrence Hill Jr., combo guard, VCU: 15.0 points per game
- Miles Rubin, center, Loyola Chicago: 11.3 points, 7.1 rebounds, 2.3 blocks
- Braedan Lue, forward, Kennesaw State: 10.9 points per game
Freshman Chris Washington Jr., ranked 33rd nationally by Rivals, joins the group, and returning forward DeWayne Brown II provides continuity. Follow the team on the Tennessee men’s basketball page on RallyFuel.
Rivalries and Dates to Circle
Kentucky
The biggest rivalry comes twice: January 23 at Rupp Arena and February 13 in Knoxville. Kentucky opens at No. 23 in the AP poll. For how Wildcats fans organize around their program, see our Kentucky NIL guide.
Vanderbilt
The in-state rivalry opens SEC play on January 2 in Knoxville, with Vanderbilt ranked No. 24 in the preseason poll.
Florida
Preseason No. 1 Florida, which received 47 of 59 first-place votes according to the AP poll release, visits Knoxville on January 30. Read more in our story on Florida’s No. 1 start.
Non-Conference Tests
- Nov. 3: Wofford, season opener
- Nov. 17: No. 6 Michigan State
- Nov. 24: Maryland, Players Era tournament in Las Vegas
- Dec. 6: NC State
- Dec. 11: at Purdue
🗳️ Vote: Make your prediction for Tennessee vs. Wofford on RallyFuel (Nov. 3)
Game Day in Knoxville
Tennessee plays at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center, which opened in 1987. Plan to arrive early for the Kentucky, Florida and Vanderbilt dates.
Three Questions for Tennessee Basketball
How fast can the newcomers gel?
Seven transfers and a top freshman have to learn each other quickly, with Michigan State arriving in mid-November and a Players Era game against Maryland a week later.
Who runs the offense?
Ames and Haralson both averaged more than 16 points at their last stops, and Hill and Lundblade add shooting. Sorting out roles among that many scoring guards is Barnes’ first job.
Can this group get past the Elite Eight?
Tennessee has reached three straight Elite Eights and posted 25 wins in five straight seasons. A preseason top-10 ranking means the expectation now is a first Final Four.
The NIL Angle
Tennessee is spending to compete: CBS Sports reported the program projected player spending “north of $15 million” for 2026-27. For how the school’s athlete pay works, read our University of Tennessee NIL guide and Tennessee NIL laws explained, and see where the Vols rank in the SEC NIL Index.
FAQ
What is Tennessee basketball’s preseason ranking for 2026-27?
Tennessee is No. 8 in the AP preseason Top 25 released October 19, 2026.
When does Tennessee basketball play Kentucky in 2026-27?
January 23 at Rupp Arena in Lexington and February 13 in Knoxville.
Who are Tennessee’s top transfers?
Juke Harris (Wake Forest), Dai Dai Ames (Cal), Jalen Haralson (Notre Dame), Tyler Lundblade (Belmont), Terrence Hill Jr. (VCU), Miles Rubin (Loyola Chicago) and Braedan Lue (Kennesaw State).
When is Tennessee’s season opener?
Tennessee opens against Wofford on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
Follow College Athletes on RallyFuel
Explore the University of Tennessee page, see the league on the SEC page, check the RallyFuel NIL Score, browse athlete profiles and make your predictions with RallyFuel Predictions.
