Knoxville, TN (WCYB) – There are reasons to be excited for both University of Tennessee basketball teams during the 2025-26 season.
The Lady Vols will begin the year ranked eighth in the nation. The men’s team will start as number 18.
Kim Caldwell returns a large part of last year’s production. She also assembled elite groups of signees from the transfer portal and high school. Last season’s success has impacted recruiting. “It’s been easier to sell because they watch the game,” said Caldwell. “You can show clips of people in Tennessee uniforms and how they’d fit in.”
Rick Barnes had to reload with players who were not key contributors on last season’s Elite 8 team and people whom were not even in the program. One of Barnes’ new players is former Greeneville Greene Devil, Ja’Kobi Gillespie. “We’re lucky to have him, we’re blessed to have him,” said Barnes. “Cause he’s better than I thought.”