Tennessee Volunteers Men’s Basketball Team Prepares for 2025-26 Season with Revamped Roster
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The University of Tennessee men’s basketball team held its annual local media day today, signaling the start of preparations for a season with high expectations following consecutive Elite Eight appearances.
Head coach Rick Barnes, entering his 11th season with the Volunteers and recently signing a lifetime contract, showcased a roster blending experienced returners with nine new scholarship players, including senior guard Ja’Kobi Gillespie, a Third Team All-Big Ten selection, and highly-touted freshman forward Nate Ament. Barnes, the active Division I leader in coaching wins with 836, returns four letter winners from last year’s 30-8 team. This roster overhaul comes at a critical juncture as college basketball continues to navigate the evolving landscape of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals.
Barnes emphasized the team’s chemistry during Thursday’s press conference, stating, “We’ve got a really good group of guys who are committed to each other…they’ve done a great job of blending.” He also acknowledged the challenge of replacing key players like Jahmai Mashack and Zakai Ziegler, noting the importance of “retention” – maintaining a core understanding of the program’s values. Addressing the changing world of college athletics, Barnes said the university administration has been proactive in ensuring the program remains competitive, stating, “They’ve jumped in on it, they know exactly what we gotta do, and our formula.” For more information on the Volunteers, visit the official UT Sports website.
Barnes highlighted the consistent play of Ja’Kobe Gillespie and Felix Okpara, while also praising the early impact of freshman Nate Ament, saying he’s shown “a real willingness to figure a whole different game for himself.” Season tickets are sold out, but single-game tickets and information on future season ticket opportunities are available here. Barnes and his staff will now focus on finalizing preparations for a preseason exhibition game against Duke and the November 10th season opener.
