The Tennessee Volunteers have had a fantastic transfer portal season, the finest since head coach Rick Barnes joined Knoxville.
Their newest signee, Juke Harris, was among the biggest names in the portal, and he will play in Tennessee next season. With Harris, the Vols now have the best transfer portal class.
“Tennessee basketball continues to grow its star-studded transfer portal haul, adding Wake Forest guard Juke Harris on Monday, May 4. According to USA TODAY’s transfer portal rankings, Harris, the No. 2-ranked overall player, averaged 21. 4 points, 6. 5 rebounds, and 1. 9 assists per game last season while shooting 44. 4% from the field. He selected the Vols over Michigan, which he toured, and North Carolina, among others. “Harris’ dedication elevates Tennessee’s portal total to No. 1 in USA TODAY Sports’ class rankings,” according to Austin Curtright of USA Today.
The Vols also had seven-footer Favour Ibe on a visit, and by the sound of it, he is the final target for Barnes and his team.
“I think right now you’re waiting to see what the visitor (2026 recruit Favour Ibe, who is 7-foot-1) from over the weekend does,” VolQuest’s Brent Hubbs said Tuesday on WNML’s SportsTalk. “What does he do? ” That feeling is like, “That’s where we are right now. ” And then I have no idea. “
According to reports from Thursday morning, Ibe will visit the Virginia Cavaliers men’s basketball team, indicating that Tennessee is now competing with another program for his commitment.
“Tennessee target and four-star center Favour Ibe will visit Virginia today, according to Jamie Shaw. According to Fox Sports Knoxville, Ibe, the No. 82 overall player in the 2026 class, traveled Tennessee over the weekend, but is now scheduled to visit the Cavaliers on Thursday as his recruitment intensifies.
Ibe appears to be the final target for Barnes and his crew for the time being, indicating that they are going all out to sign him. He would be a game changer for the Volunteers, since Barnes could turn him into the next Felix Okpara-type player.
Ibe is already an excellent rim protector and defensive presence, which is the type of player Barnes desires. Tennessee will have to overcome Virginia and a number of other schools vying for him.
