In the 2026 cycle, Lady Vols basketball signed two big-time recruits. This featured the No. 2 player in the entire class according to ESPN, Oliviyah Edwards.
The publication went through and named the biggest impact player from each top-25 class now that signing day has passed. Edwards was the choice for Tennessee due to her possessing potentially the highest upside in the cycle.
“Kim Caldwell followed up landing the No. 2 recruiting class in 2025 by landing Edwards, the second-ranked player in the class of 2026, and the player with arguably the highest upside,” ESPN’s Shane Laflin wrote. “She will join a Tennessee roster in transition: Three of Tennessee’s top four scorers are seniors, and behind them are a cavalcade of freshmen still learning the college game. Edwards, meanwhile, is a 6-3 forward with untapped athleticism, a diverse scoring package and the defensive versatility to cover almost anyone on the floor — traits that should make her easy to slot into any lineup. Caldwell’s challenge will be to help her develop more consistent assertiveness, but all the ingredients for a future star in Knoxville are here.”
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Edwards was also named the No. 5 player in the country as a five-star by 247. The 6-foot-3 forward picked the Lady Vols over South Carolina, LSU, USC, Florida and Washington. It was on her official visit to Knoxville when she made the decision public.
Tennessee head coach Kim Caldwell gave her thoughts on Edwards after she officially signed in November.
“Oliviyah will come in and make an impact on both ends of the court,” Caldwell said. “Her versatility and play-making ability will set her apart. She is a high character person, and we couldn’t be happier for her to join our program.”
The Lady Vols’ other signee is four-star Gabby Minus. She ranks as the No. 45 player in the class by 247. This follows Caldwell and company signing five freshmen, including three five-stars, in the 2025 class to earn the No. 2 group in the country.
Tennessee is also in the mix early for some top 2027 recruits, including five-star and No. 1 recruit Kaleena Smith, who has already taken a visit to UT.
