2026 Vols Transfer Portal Thread

[NighthawkVol]

I don't think size is an issue for us at all. This is one of the biggest teams we've ever had, maybe not at the 5, but across the board we have long athletes.

Having said that, I'm very surprised we showed no interest in Franck Kepnang though. He's a strong 6'11 defensive guy who is a great lob threat. Literally exactly what we need. I know there is an injury history, but he's definitely worth the risk, imo.

He’s played 6 seasons of college basketball. I don’t think he has eligibility remaining.

 

[Heupel's Offseason Beard]

Brown isn’t a rim protector. Points per game at the center isn’t what I’m worried about. It’s the rim protector that can cover defensive mistakes and discourage a guard from trying to finish at the rim.

Rubin's been top 20 in block percentage in the entire country the last 3 seasons.

 

[BreatheUT]

Why? Tanner likely returns, they added some nice pieces around him, and Byington is a good coach.

I think Tanner will be even better this year. You can see the upward trajectory.

 

[Vols All Day]

Anyone heard anything new on the last roster spots?

 

[Namorto1]

Would it be accurate to state if the "5 for 5 eligibility rule" goes into effect that our new Senior portal additions (Ames, Rubin) with the exception of Lundblade would have possibility of returning for 2027-28 season? Harris is the best of the bunch, Hill will assume leadership responsibilities at PG, and Haralson the most versatile and perhaps most important, but personally, I think Ames and Lundblade are going to give us the most "wow" moments next year. Lundblade strictly with his quick trigger 3 pt prowess and Ames due to his "shimmy shake ball-handling and scoring ability" that is going to break ankles.

 

[VolsNetClippers2025]

Have seen all the insiders here say it's pretty doubtful Henderson plays at all this season. Wonder when we'll hear more news about that - he would be a nice depth piece to have, but I think the team is fine if he takes a medical redshirt. Would've liked us to bring in a true depth guard vet if the plan was to redshirt Henderson all along.

 

[All Vol!]

Favour Ibe as of Monday was upgraded to a 4 Star and is now the No. 82 overall player and No. 12 Center in the class. I think there is a ton of upside here and reason for some confidence he may be serviceable at a minimum in year 1.

 

[i2amavol]

Favour Ibe as of Monday was upgraded to a 4 Star and is now the No. 82 overall player and No. 12 Center in the class. I think there is a ton of upside here and reason for some confidence he may be serviceable at a minimum in year 1.

I think so too. In the small sample size that I saw, he seemed to have a lot more mobility than most guys his height, and he could shoot beyond 10' as well.

I know that retention is a real issue these days, but I would like for us to sign him, and keep him more than one year. Therefore, my vote is for him to be the last piece of this year's puzzle. Give him 5 to 10 minutes a game this year, and then have a starting center in him for another year or two.

 

[GrayWaterCanine]

Anyone heard anything new on the last roster spots?

There is talk in the underbelly of the connected world that a big surprise is incoming in 10 days to 2 weeks. Take it for what it's worth.

 

[Franklin_Vol09]

Rubin's been top 20 in block percentage in the entire country the last 3 seasons.

And your point? We are talking about depth.

 

[TheMookieMonster]

There is talk in the underbelly of the connected world that a big surprise is incoming in 10 days to 2 weeks. Take it for what it's worth.

Who exactly is the connected underbelly?

 

[MoreSteam]

Scratch Ibe off

 

[hard in the paint]

Who exactly is the connected underbelly?

The voices in his head.

 

[Vol49er]

Scratch Ibe off

Dang. First visit of the offseason to not result in a commit. Seemed like just what we needed, a guy with real size who won’t be mad playing ~10 minutes a game or less. Still, I think if we stay healthy, we’ll mostly be ok

 

[TrippieRedd]

There is talk in the underbelly of the connected world that a big surprise is incoming in 10 days to 2 weeks. Take it for what it's worth.

At this point the only thing that would be a big surprise is Okpara getting an extra year.

I don’t think anything else would move the needle for me.

 

[TheMookieMonster]

At this point the only thing that would be a big surprise is Okpara getting an extra year.

I don’t think anything else would move the needle for me.

I’m not sure what else could even realistically happen at this point that could be a hit surprise. Like, there are no big transfers left on the market really. And the high school class is mostly complete. I looked at the Top 150 and there’s only maybe 6-7 uncommitted guys left.

 

[TheMookieMonster]

First time I have seen someone officially report that we have two open scholarships left.

 

[Chaz-Vol]

Dang. First visit of the offseason to not result in a commit. Seemed like just what we needed, a guy with real size who won’t be mad playing ~10 minutes a game or less. Still, I think if we stay healthy, we’ll mostly be ok

Tough to sell a guy to come here and be likely 3rd string and he probably wanting good amount of money. Would have been nice long term piece but not sure he would have contributed much next year

 

[GrayWaterCanine]

Who exactly is the connected underbelly?

A lot of it comes from reformed organized crime, health care administrators, and franchise owners connected to shady private equity.

 

[TrippieRedd]

First time I have seen someone officially report that we have two open scholarships left.

Two spots for a Mr. Gillespie and Okpara

 

[VolArmy74]

Not opposed to Ibe going to Virginia for a training year. He'll be available in the portal if he's showing signs of development.

 

[All Vol!]

Oh well, time to catch the red eye to Croatia looks like.

 

[swchandler1988]

I wonder if they are saving one spot for Nate just in case

 

[TheMookieMonster]

I wonder if they are saving one spot for Nate just in case

My guess is they are saving one spot just in case all hell breaks loose with the 5th year rule. No chance Nate comes back.

 

[swchandler1988]

My guess is they are saving one spot just in case Al hell breaks loose with the 5th year rule. No chance Nate comes back.

Only a Sith deals in absolutes