Since Kim Caldwell took over the Lady Vols basketball program just over a year ago, Tennessee has been nothing short of elite on the recruiting trail. After landing the No. 2 class in the country in 2025, UT already holds the commitment from the No. 2 player in the 2026 class, Oliviyah Edwards. Now, Caldwell is getting in the good graces of the top-ranked recruit in the 2027 class, Kaleena Smith.
The five-star point guard took an unofficial visit to see Tennessee on Oct. 13. She got the chance to put on a Lady Vols jersey for a photoshoot with freshmen guards Mia and Mya Pauldo there with her, as well.
Smith stands at 5-foot-6 out of Ontario, Canada. According to both 247‘s rankings and the site’s composite rankings, she is the No. 1 overall player in the class.
“Smith is so smooth with the basketball in her hands,” 247 director of women’s basketball scouting Brandon Clay wrote. “Smith’s ability to make plays and dictate the pace cannot be overstated. She’s progressing at the rate that we had predicted based on her play last summer. Her poise and presence are at a different level than her peers. Smith can play out of the pick-and roll-action in a way that could be a potential separator for her at the collegiate level. Though Smith might never be large in stature, she will continue to add strength to her play.”
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Smith already holds an offer from Tennessee, alongside the likes of Iowa, North Carolina, Michigan State, Michigan, LSU, South Carolina, UCLA, USC and UConn.
Tennessee may have an ace up its sleeve, though. Smith is signed to adidas, the brand UT is set to switch to ahead of next season. It is also the brand that Lady Vols legend Candace Parker is heavily involved in.
This has already played a factor in the commitment of Edwards, the No. 2 player in the 2026 class. While it likely won’t be the No. 1 reason Smith will choose a school, it can certainly be an advantage.
