Lady Vols basketball is suffering potentially its biggest loss yet after year two under Kim Caldwell. This time, it’s not a transfer, though. Instead, five-star forward signee Oliviyah Edwards has requested a release from her signing, according to a report from Rivals.
Edwards ranks as the No. 2 overall recruit in the country, according to ESPNW. She picked Tennessee over USC, South Carolina, LSU, Washington and Florida. She is from Tacoma, Washington.
“Oliviyah will come in and make an impact on both ends of the court,” Caldwell said at the time of her signing. “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.”
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Edwards stands at 6-foot-3 and projects to be multi-positional as a wing and forward at the next level. Not only does she have a college-ready frame, but she also has freak athleticism. She has proven to be able to dunk with ease, throwing down jams as a senior in high school.
Edwards was one of two recruits to commit and sign to the Lady Vols in the 2026 class. The other was four-star guard Gabby Minus out of Dacula, Georgia. Minus is still currently signed to play for Tennessee next season.
“Gabby is a high-motor player who will come in ready to compete,” Caldwell said at the time of her signing. “The moment she steps on campus, our competitiveness will rise. Her energy and infectious personality will be a great addition to our Lady Vol family.”
So far, the Lady Vols have lost every possible returner to the transfer portal except Jaida Civil. Talaysia Cooper, Lauren Hurst, Deniya Prawl, Kaniya Boyd, Alyssa Latham and Mia and Mya Pauldo have all announced their departures.
