The Lady Vols basketball program has done nothing but recruit at a top level under Kim Caldwell. In the 2026 class, Tennessee is already off to a great start with the commitment of No. 2 recruit Oliviyah Edwards and is in good standing for other top prospects. However, five-star Trinity Jones won’t be a part of the class for UT.
Instead, Jones committed to Clemson on Monday evening. She was deciding between Tennessee, Clemson, LSU, UCLA and TCU. She publicly posted her official visits to each of these programs, except TCU, over the past two months. On her official visit to see the Lady Vols, she was with Jacy Abii, as well. However, Abii committed to Notre Dame instead.
According to 247 composite rankings, Jones is the No. 7 overall recruit in the country. She is considered the No. 2 shooting guard and No. 1 player from Illinois. She is out of Bolingbrook.
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“Jones suffered a lower leg injury that sidelined her starting in May and is expected to extend at least through the end of the 2024 calendar year,” 247 director of women’s basketball scouting Brandon Clay wrote. “When healthy, Jones is one of the premier guards in America. She has the skill and athleticism to create off the dribble and can also push the tempo on offense, attacking the paint to score. Her length allows coaches to potentially use her at any of the three guard or wing positions, depending on the matchup.”
Tennessee has its eyes set on the likes of five-star Bri Crittendon and four-star Gabby Minus after official visits for both. The Lady Vols are in contention as their recruitments naturally begin to come down to the wire after their trips to see their finalists.
Last year, Caldwell signed five freshmen, including three McDonald’s All-Americans. All five were considered top 100 recruits, as well. This year, Tennessee may not sign as many, but the quality of the class remains among the best in the country, with the commitment of Edwards and possible additions in the future.
