With the NBA Draft withdrawal deadline passing late last week, college basketball rosters are mostly set ahead of the 2025-26 season.
After months of way-too-early top 25 rankings with incomplete information and rosters, we now have enough data for legitimately informed way-too-early top 25 rankings. ESPN released its latest way-too-early rankings earlier this week with Tennessee landing as one of the last teams.
ESPN ranks Tennessee No. 23 in its rankings after the Vols lost five of their top six players from last season’s Elite Eight team but added talent from both the transfer portal and prep recruiting ranks.
“Tennessee has been busy reloading the roster, with top-five recruit Nate Ament and Maryland transfer Ja’Kobi Gillespie representing two of the most impactful newcomers for any team in the country,” ESPN’s Jeff Borzello wrote. “Ament has incredible long-term upside, while Gillespie was among the best point guards in college basketball this past season. Louisiana Tech transfer Amaree Abram also adds shooting.
Rick Barnes has strong frontcourt depth, with Jaylen Carey (Vanderbilt) joining starter Felix Okpara and reserves Cade Phillips and J.P. Estrella. The Vols need more, though, with starters Zakai Zeigler, Chaz Lanier, Jahmai Mashack and Igor Milicic Jr. and reserves Jordan Gainey and Darlinstone Dubar all gone.”
More From RTI: National Analyst Says Tennessee Basketball Is An Offseason Loser, Explains Why
Tennessee dropped three spots from ESPN’s last update in May. Gonzaga and Alabama each moved up and ahead of Tennessee. Kansas remained in the same spot with the Vols falling behind them.
The Vols are the sixth highest ranked SEC team in ESPN’s rankings, coming in behind No. 2 Florida, No. 9 Kentucky, No. 11 Arkansas, No. 14 Auburn and No. 17 Alabama. ESPN lists Texas as one of five teams that are “next in line” but outside of the top 25.
Under Rick Barnes’ guidance, Tennessee has been one of the SEC’s top programs in recent years. The Vols have made it to the NCAA Tournament seven straight times, the Sweet 16 three straight times and have claimed three SEC titles over the last eight seasons.
While the Vols lost may of their top players from last season, their front court remains largely intact. Felix Okpara and Cade Phillips are back as is J.P. Estrella after missing almost the entirety of last season with a foot injury. Tennessee bolstered its front court by adding Vanderbilt transfer Jaylen Carey.
In the backcourt, Maryland point guard transfer Ja’Kobi Gillespie is the lead man with Tennessee still trying to figure out its best option beside him at the two-spot. Five-star freshman Nate Ament projects as the Vols’ starting three-man next season.
