Five-star forward Oliviyah Edwards has officially been released from her signing to Lady Vols basketball, she announced on Tuesday. This came after she made her request public on April 4, following the exodus of players from Tennessee to the transfer portal.
Edwards ranks as the No. 2 overall recruit in the country, according to ESPNW. She initially picked Tennessee over USC, South Carolina, LSU, Washington and Florida. Out of Tacoma, Washington, it’s expected that she’ll once again be highly recruited.
“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.”
🧡🧡always love for Knoxville pic.twitter.com/6L5eM6srMW
— Oliviyah “Big Oh” Edwards (@EdwardsOliviyah) April 7, 2026
More From RTI: Kim Caldwell Reveals Key Regret in Year Two Coaching Lady Vols Basketball
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 jaw-dropping athleticism. She has proven to be able to dunk with ease, throwing down jams as a senior in high school and in the McDonald’s All-American Game Dunk Contest.
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.”
There’s a lot of work to be done in the portal for Caldwell, though, with the departure of Edwards and each potential returner from last season. The portal officially opened up on Monday, with Tennessee quickly going to work to set up visits.
