Jahmai Mashack given Torchbearer Award, the University of Tennessee's highest student honor

Jahmai Mashack has been named a Torchbearer Award winner by the University of Tennessee, the highest student honor from the school. Chancellor Donde Plowman broke the news to Mashack on Thursday. 

“He’s not only a leader here in this community, he’s a leader in the SEC,” Plowman said during the ceremony. “He’s on the leadership committee of the NCAA.”

Mashack is the fourth Tennessee men’s basketball player to receive the Torchbearer Award and the first to do so in 72 years. He was overcome with emotion while addressing his parents after receiving the award.

“We wanted to go in and make sure the Mashack name was remembered,” Mashack said. “And I was hoping I was able to do that with you guys.

“I know you guys didn’t care if I scored a basket, you guys didn’t care if I got a rebound. But all you guys wanted me to do was to make sure I represented the Mashack name. I hope I did that for you guys.”

"He that beareth a torch shadoweth himself that he may give light to others."

A true example of the Volunteer Creed, Jahmai Mashack is a worthy recipient of The Torchbearer — the highest student honor conferred by @UTKnoxville pic.twitter.com/AUFkQT3xKO

— Tennessee Basketball (@Vol_Hoops) March 9, 2025

The Torchbearer Award

The Torchbearer is the highest student honor conferred by the University of Tennessee. Torchbearers are seniors who have served their alma mater with overall excellence. The Torchbearer is awarded for academic achievement and outstanding commitment to others as demonstrated by the student’s various activities and significant contributions to the university and the community.

Students chosen for this award embody the Volunteer spirit, displaying initiative and service in the best interests of both the university and their fellow students. Recognition as a Torchbearer reminds all students that those who bear the torch of enlightenment shadow themselves to give light to others.

‘They wanted to come in and make their family proud and wanted to make Vol Nation proud. And they did that.’

Tennessee coach Rick Barnes mentioned Mashack winning the award after the 75-65 win over South Carolina on Senior Day Saturday afternoon at Food City Center.

“(It) was a great thing,” Barnes said during his postgame press conference. “And Chancellor Plowman came over and had a great celebration in the locker room before the (practice).”

Mashack has been selected to the SEC’s community service team each of the last two seasons for his work with Second Harvest Food Bank. He also went to the Philippines with Tennessee’s VOLeaders Academy in July 2023, participating in a service and cultural emersion program. 

He also has served as the Vice Chair of the SEC Leadership council and has represented the SEC in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Oversight Committee’s Student-Athlete Engagement Group. 

Jahmai Mashack over the last week has helped raise $40,000 in virtual food drive

After his buzzer-beater to beat Alabama last week, Mashack started a virtual food drive for Second Harvest Food Bank with an initial goal of $7,900, representing the 79 points scored by the Vols against Alabama. As of Sunday, just over $40,000 had been raised. 

“Jahmai said it yesterday,” Barnes said, “but Zakai (Zeigler) would’ve said the same thing. Their biggest thing was they wanted to come in and make their family proud and wanted to make Vol Nation proud. And they did that.”

“Those two guys for four years have lived up to our motto,” Barnes said, “‘It’s Not About Me — INAM — as well as any two players that have ever come through the program.”