Jaida Civil, one of Lady Vols basketball’s key pieces in its recruiting class a year ago, is staying in the SEC through the transfer portal. On Wednesday, she announced her commitment to Ole Miss on Instagram. This will team her back up with former Tennessee teammate Talaysia Cooper, who is also headed to Oxford.
Civil was one of the top pieces to sign to Tennessee in the extremely successful 2025 class. She was ranked as the No. 13 player in the nation and No. 1 small forward by 247 and was named a McDonald’s All-American.
Out of Vero Beach, Florida, Civil’s skillset translated quickly to the college level. She posted 6.4 points per game on 41.5% shooting from the field and 28.8% from three. In 30 appearances and 10 starts, she also notched 4.0 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game.
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When Civil announced her intention to enter the portal on April 6, she shared a heartfelt message along with her decision. She noted it was the hardest decision she’s ever had to make, and was respectful to head coach Kim Caldwell.
“To play for one of the best up and coming coaches in the country has been a true blessing,” Civil said in the post. “Coach Kim — I want you to know how much I genuinely love and appreciate you. The belief you had in me, the opportunity you gave me as a young woman trying to find her way — it changed my life. I will always carry that with me. Thank you to you and the entire staff for pouring into me and trusting me to be aprt of something so meaningful.”
Now, each of the five signees from last year’s class have announced their next stop. Deniya Prawl is headed to Louisville, Lauren Hurst picked Virginia Tech and Mia and Mya Pauldo landed at Rutgers. Kaniya Boyd is the only outgoing transfer yet to announce her decision.
