Where Tennessee Basketball is ranked in offseason Top 25s

Tennessee Basketball’s unofficial season opener is just over four weeks away, with the Vols hosting Duke in a sold-out exhibition game at Food City Center on October 26. 

The Vols are coming off back-to-back Elite Eight appearances, have finished in the top five in the rankings in three of the last four years and haven’t been unranked since March 2021. 

The preseason rankings for the 2025-26 season haven’t been released yet, but here’s where the Vols have been ranked during the offseason:

USA Today — No. 15

Why USA Today has Tennessee at No. 15: “Tennessee is looking at a roster overhaul with just one returning starter in center Felix Okpara. The Volunteers need to land production in increased action from forwards Cade Phillips and J.P. Estrella while blending in point guard Ja’Kobi Gillespie (Maryland), guard Amaree Abram (Louisiana Tech) and forward Jaylen Carey (Vanderbilt). Tennessee will also lean on a really strong traditional recruiting class starring five-star forward Nate Ament.”

Sports Illustrated — No. 16

Why Sports Illustrated has Tennessee at No. 16: “The Vols have finished in KenPom’s top 10 four years running, and it’d be foolish to bet on much of a drop-off even with massive pieces departing. Maryland transfer Ja’Kobi Gillespie is the ideal Zakai Zeigler replacement, one of the top ball-screen operators in the country with plenty of high-level experience. Rick Barnes is also bullish on five-star freshman Nate Ament, who has been on a remarkable development curve over the last few years.”

CBS Sports — No. 22 

Why CBS has Tennessee at No. 22: “The Vols quietly have one of the deepest frontcourts in college basketball. Who is the starting forward next to (Felix) Okpara? (Cade) Phillips is a high-flying, high-energy option. Now healthy, (J.P.) Estrella is extremely skilled and could add some much-needed offensive pop. Vanderbilt transfer Jaylen Carey knows SEC wars and is a menace on the glass. Dewayne Brown, a slightly underrated freshman, has been excelling in summer workouts. Rick Barnes has a stable of big fellas raring to go.”

ESPN — No. 23

ESPN on Nate Ament as Tennessee’s impact newcomer: “Much like the impact newcomer debate we had two months ago, we’re going with (Nate) Ament over his teammate, Maryland transfer Ja’Kobi Gillespie, due to the freshman’s sky-high potential — and not wanting to miss the boat if it all comes together for Ament this season. He’s a projected top-five NBA Draft pick and could be the favorite for at least SEC Freshman of the Year.”