Skip to main content
tennessee logo

Rick Barnes addresses Tennessee's transfer portal recruiting as season continues in Sweet 16

IMG_3593by:Grant Ramey•03/27/25•

GrantRamey

Rick Barnes, Tennessee Basketball | Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images) Feb 8, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Tennessee Volunteers head coach Rick Barnes watches his team play against the Oklahoma Sooners during the second half at Lloyd Noble Center.

Tennessee Basketball’s season continuing this week in the NCAA Tournament’s Sweet 16 isn’t stopping the Vols from already addressing next season’s roster through the NCAA Transfer Portal. 

On3’s Jamie Shaw reported Wednesday that Indiana Purdue Fort Wayne point guard Jalen Jackson is planning visits, which should include Tennessee. 

The NCAA Transfer Portal opened for college basketball players on Monday.

No. 2 Tennessee vs. No. 3 Kentucky, Friday, 7:39 p.m. ET

Tennessee (29-7), the No. 2 seed in the Midwest Region, faces No. 3 Kentucky (24-11) on Friday night (7:39 Eastern Time, TBS/TruTV) at Lucas Oil Stadium with a spot in Sunday’s Elite Eight on the line. 

“It is what it is,” Tennessee coach Rick Barnes said Wednesday when asked about the portal. “I mean, it’s the rules they put in play. It is what it is. We have to live within it and do what we do. 

“And again, I’m thankful and that we have a coaching staff that’s been on top of it. And it’s different because we’re still in the tournament, but yet still recruiting as if we weren’t. 

“But I don’t think we’re any different than any of the other teams that are still playing.”

Shaw noted that the Jackson, a 6-foot-2 point guard, has increased interest in Clemson, Tennessee, Michigan, Butler and Notre Dame.

Jackson was first-team All-Horizon after averaging 19.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.6 steals per game this season. 

“I’m getting with Clemson later today about possibly coming to see me Friday,” Jackson said. “I’m talking with Michigan and Tennessee about setting something up, but they are still playing in the NCAA Tournament. 

“I have a Zoom call set with Butler for (Wednesday night); that is my first one. I am scheduling something with Notre Dame for them to either come to me or me go to them early next week.”

Vols replacing at least six players on next season’s roster

Tennessee during the offseason will have to replace four seniors, in Zakai Zeigler, Jahmai Mashack, Jordan Gainey and Igor Milicic Jr., along with two fifth-year seniors in Chaz Lanier and Darlinstone Dubar. 

The Vols entered this season with two open scholarship spots, which gives Barnes and his staff eight spots to fill on the 2025-26 roster. 

Three spots are spoke for after signing four-star guard Amari Evans and four-star center Dewayne Brown during the November signing period and getting a commitment from 2025 point guard Troy Henderson earlier this week. 

Jackson would be a more immediate option to replace Zeigler at point guard. 

“I want to play in a free-flowing offense,” Jackson told Shaw. “And play for a coach that is going to develop me and take care of me, not just be another player on the roster. I want to have a trusting relationship with the coach.

“I’m a point guard, so I’m kind of an extension of the coach on the floor, so I got to have that relationship. And play for a coach who trusts me.”

You may also like