Lady Vols basketball added 13 transfers and two prep signees to fill out its 2026-27 roster this offseason. However, some of these players are coming off injury and fighting to be ready to go for next season.
One of these pieces is Seton Hall transfer Jada Eads. She appeared in 16 games last season before being shut down with a torn ACL. Prior to her injury, Eads was averaging 10.6 points per game on 35.8% shooting from the field and 29.4% on threes. She also contributed 5.1 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 2.0 steals per game in 26.6 minutes per outing.
Eads posted an update on her injury on Tuesday, though. In a video on X, she showed herself going through shooting drills in an orange UT shirt. While it doesn’t mean she’s fully cleared just yet, it does give optimism that her rehab is going well.
it’s just work… #aclrecovery pic.twitter.com/7D1MrgxWkT
— Jada Eads (@JadaBaller) May 12, 2026
— Jada Eads (@JadaBaller) May 12, 2026
More From RTI: Where Lady Vols Basketball’s Betting Odds Sit to Win 2027 National Championship
As a freshman, Eads averaged 13.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.8 steals per game. This came in 29 games and 24 starts in 31.3 minutes per appearance. She was named to the All-Big East First-Team and All-Freshman Team for the season.
“Jada Eads is a dynamic playmaker who is ready to lead us on the offensive and defensive ends,” Lady Vols head coach Kim Caldwell said. “Her defensive presence will be challenging for our opponents. She is hungry to get back on the court and will work relentlessly to get there.”
Eads is from Orlando, Florida. She finished her high school career at Lake Highland Prep after starting at Wekiva in Apopka, Florida.
Other players to keep an eye on as they recover from injuries include Maryland guard Kaylene Smikle, Texas forward Aaliyah Moore and freshman guard Gabby Minus.
