The poll results are in: Here’s a closer look at No. 13 Tennessee.
13. TENNESSEE
2025-26 record: 25-12
Outlook for 2026-27: After five straight seasons with at least 25 wins and three consecutive trips to the Elite Eight, it’s Final Four or failure in Knoxville. Coach Rick Barnes says that no matter how high outside expectations are, “Ours are higher.”
What we like: Three transfers spark a backcourt with explosive potential. Terrence Hill Jr. averaged 15.0 points per game at VCU, Dai Dai Ames has started at three schools (Kansas State, Virginia and Cal), and Tyler Lundblade is a career 43.5% shooter from 3-point range (TCU, Belmont).
Trouble ahead: A roster loaded with 13 newcomers has only a few games to iron out the wrinkles before taking on a gauntlet of opponents from the Big Ten (Michigan State, Maryland and Purdue) and ACC (Florida State and NC State).
Top newcomer: Wake Forest transfer Juke Harris was named the ACC’s Most Improved Player last season after averaging 21.4 points and 6.5 rebounds in 35 starts. He erupted for 38 points against Boston College and scored 31 against both NC State and Cal.