Tennessee Roster Is Becoming Clearer
Barnes has transformed the Volunteers into a true national title threat. While Tennessee has never reached the Final Four, the Vols have advanced to the Elite Eight in each of the last three seasons. The Vols have compiled a 72-29 record and won the 2024 SEC regular season title. Barnes owns a 257-121 record with the Vols, guiding them to five Sweet 16 appearances.
Tennessee likely won’t have nine players from this past season’s team that went 25-12 and finished fourth in the SEC at 11-7. Barnes knew he would have to replace starters Ja’Kobi Gillspie and Felix Okpara, as both players are no longer eligible. If star freshman Nate Ament leaves for the NBA, the Volunteers will have an entirely new starting five for 2026-27. Ament has until April 24 to make his decision.
Part-time starters Bishop Boswell and J.P. Estrella are among six players who have entered the transfer portal. Boswell (Maryland), Estrella (Michigan), Amari Allen (Texas), Jaylen Carey (Missouri), and Cade Phillips (Texas A&M) are transfers who have found new homes. Clarence Massamba, who appeared in 12 games as a freshman, is the only player not to land somewhere.
As it stands, Tennessee has 14 players on its roster, though two are non-scholarship players. Sophomore guard Ethan Burg, who saw 10 minutes a game over 31 appearances, is still on the roster, though he hasn’t yet confirmed his commitment to the Vols.
If Burg and Ament do indeed return, then the Vols likely won’t add anyone else. The Volunteers have secured four incoming freshmen as part of their 2026 recruiting class: 6-8 forward Ralph Scott (signed), 6-6 wing Manny Green (signed), 6-1 point guard Marquis Clark (signed), and 6-9 forward Christopher Washington Jr.
