As Rick Barnes prepares for what might be his last year as head coach, the Tennessee Volunteers are gearing up for a significant transfer portal campaign. In order to overcome the Elite Eight barrier, Tennessee has made a commitment to greatly enhance NIL resources.
“Tennessee basketball is on pace to be among the top in NIL spending next season. In a Thursday report on On3, Pete Nakos stated that the Vols are one of only a few teams that will invest $10 million or more in NIL for their roster for the upcoming season, as Grant Ramey of VolQuest wrote.
Miles Rubin, one of the best shot blockers in the nation, will be Tennessee’s big-time center this weekend.
As Mike Wilson initially reported, Tennessee is scheduled to host Loyola Chicago transfer Miles Rubin this weekend. The team’s 6’10”, 220-pound center started every game in 2025 and averaged a team-best 11. 3 points and 7. 1 rebounds per game. With 237 blocks, the Chicago, Illinois native is now the program’s all-time leader in that category. He also made 58. 5% of his field attempts. In addition to Rubin this weekend, I’m told that the Vols are anticipated to host another transfer, according to Tennessee reporter William Patteson.
The possibility of the Vols acquiring guard Juke Harris is another reason for hope.
“With Wake Forest, Harris ruled the ACC last year and established himself as one of the top scorers in the nation. Last year, the guard averaged 21. 4 points and six rebounds a game. Last year, he was the ACC’s Most Improved Player. SI’s Wesley Powell wrote, “Harris is a few inches taller than Gillespie, and Harris could be next season what Ja’Kobi Gillespie was last season for the Volunteers in terms of scoring ability. “
Harris would be a key addition, and the Volunteers are anticipated to be aggressive during this portal cycle. On3 lists Harris as the top SG in the portal. For Barnes and his team, the key will be assembling the appropriate components.
Nate Ament is also probably headed to the draft, and Tennessee has to find a substitute for Ja’Kobi Gillespie’s scoring. If Barnes can get Harris to Rocky Top, he might add a lot of flexibility to Tennessee’s offense.
