The Tennessee Volunteers men’s basketball team is having a great run in the transfer portal, which comes as no surprise with Rick Barnes leading the program. However, this portal cycle feels different, since Tennessee has dramatically increased its NIL funding for men’s basketball, providing Barnes greater financial freedom than ever before.
“Tennessee basketball is on pace to be among the elite in NIL spending next season. According to On3’s Pete Nakos on Thursday, the Vols are one of a small number of teams planning to invest $10 million or more in NIL for their roster next season, according to VolQuest’s Grant Ramey.
The Vols are seeking some of the biggest names in the portal, including highly sought-after Jalen Haralson of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish men’s basketball team.
“Notre Dame transfer Jalen Haralson has narrowed his list to the following programs. ” Tennessee, Ohio State, and North Carolina are among the universities. Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports said, “Last season, he averaged 16. 2 points and 4. 0 rebounds per game. “
Haralson will be a sophomore next season, which means he has considerable eligibility left if he does not declare for the NBA. He is a previous McDonald’s All-American, and Barnes is working to bring him to Knoxville as he begins his trip to Rocky Top.
“Notre Dame transfer Jalen Haralson is scheduled to arrive on campus later today. The six-foot-seven, 220-pound winger averaged 16. 2 points on 51. 5% shooting from the field. Haralson was a McDonald’s All-American, Team USA U17 member, and a five-star recruit in the 2025 class, according to Vols journalist William Patteson.
Barnes has gone 3-for-3 on trips thus far, securing Dai Dai Ames, Miles Rubin, and Tyler Lundblade. If Tennessee can get Haralson to commit before he departs Knoxville—or at the very least extend his stay—it will be a huge win.
Tennessee is doing all possible to acquire the Notre Dame transfer, much as it did with Juke Harris. Barnes is making it clear that the program aims to compete for the finest talent in the transfer market and target the largest names available.
