Tennessee basketball is bringing in a lot of new faces for the 2026-27 season, and not all of them are transfers. On top of the growing portal haul, the Vols have also signed four recruits in the 2026 class.
To kick off the month of May, ESPN updated its rankings for the class of 2026 for the final time. In its top 100 recruits, Chris Washington Jr. clocked in at No. 57 and Ralph Scott landed at No. 62. Manny Green and Marquis Clark were not listed.
Washington is the most recent signee in the class. A standout at Providence Christian Academy in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Washington was a nominee for the Mr. Basketball Award in the state. He helped lead Providence Academy to a 29-6 record and a Division II-A State Championship in his senior season.
He was originally committed to Alabama before backing off his verbal pledge a few months later. Tennessee swooped in with an offer and hosted him on a visit just ahead of his offseason commitment and prompt signing.
“We are happy to add Chris to a high school class that we are really enthused about,” Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes said in a statement. “Chris is a truly special athlete and, without a doubt, one of the finest in the country at the prep level. He is particularly impactful in transition and leaping off one foot. He can also stretch the floor and knock down 3-point shots, as well as grab offensive rebounds.
“At the defensive end, Chris has all the tools to become elite and is someone who can guard four positions. We always prioritize keeping talented players in-state and feel Chris will fit in well here on Rocky Top.”
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Scott picked Tennessee over the likes of Houston, Purdue and Texas A&M. After taking official visits to each stop, he committed and later signed with the Vols.
He stands at 6-foot-8 and owns a 7-foot-3 wingspan. UT is excited about the Bermuda native’s potential on both sides of the floor.
“We are thrilled to have Ralph and his family join us here on Rocky Top,” Barnes said in a statement. “Ralph burst on to the scene late and is still developing, but we are so excited about his immense potential, as he is a young man with so much in front of him. He is a legit 6-foot-8 wing with long arms who possesses both a tremendous feel for the game and an impressive ability to shoot the ball with excellent form. Ralph plays at a big-time prep program where he performs on a national stage against top-level competition, which will only help further prepare him for the rigors of the SEC.”
