Predict Tennessee’s starting five with us
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CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 11: California Golden Bears guard Dai Dai Ames (7) during the ACC Men's basketball tournament between the California Golden Bears and the Florida State Seminoles on March 11, 2026 at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, N. C. (Photo by John Byrum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images Two months ago, you probably wouldn’t have believed me if I had told you Tennessee would only return two players from last year’s Elite Eight roster, but that’s college basketball in 2026.
The Volunteers have three headed to the NBA and several more hit the exits via the transfer portal. Rick Barnes had a plan though, and anyone around the program knew the plan — spend. Tennessee went all in on Barnes and company this offseason, giving him the financial backing to go build the best roster possible.
He did just that, and expectations are already through the roof for what should be one of Barnes’ final few attempts at getting the program over that Elite-Eight hump. Tennessee has never once made a Final Four, and Barnes only has one to his name in 40 years of coaching. His sights are set on changing both numbers next spring.
Juke Harris is the prize of the class, joining Tennessee after a huge year at Wake Forest. The North Carolina native will take a lead scoring role and very likely become Barnes’ latest portal success story. He’ll be joined in the backcourt by Terrence Hill, who will likely carry the point guard title.