Tennessee Basketball Targets Top Prospects for 2026 Class

Knoxville, TN, August 5, 2025

News Summary

The University of Tennessee basketball program is actively pursuing talented recruits for the 2026 class, aiming to enhance competitiveness. With marquee players like four-star point guard Anthony Brown Jr. showing interest, the Vols are establishing a solid foundation. Alongside the men’s recruits, the Lady Vols also focus on high-caliber prospects such as five-star forward Oliviyah Edwards, ensuring a competitive future for both teams. As coaching efforts intensify, fans eagerly await upcoming commitments that could shape the program’s trajectory.

Big Moves in Knoxville: Tennessee Basketball Eyes Talented Prospects for 2026 Class

Knoxville, TN – The excitement is brewing at the University of Tennessee as the basketball program sets its sights on the promising 2026 recruiting class. Coaches are busy identifying high-caliber players who can elevate the team’s competitiveness in the upcoming seasons. A standout on their radar is four-star point guard Anthony Brown Jr. from Archbishop Carroll High School in Washington, D.C., who recently included Tennessee in his top 10 list of schools.

Meet Anthony Brown Jr.

At just 6-foot-1 and weighing 160 pounds, Brown Jr. is making waves with his skills on the court. He’s known as the No. 12 point guard in the nation and the No. 1 player in Washington, D.C. His recent recruitment by Tennessee, which offered him a scholarship back on June 23, has put the Vols firmly in the mix for his signature. Alongside Tennessee, Brown Jr.’s list includes numerous other reputable programs such as VCU, Vanderbilt, Memphis, and Texas Tech, to name a few. It’s an impressive lineup that highlights his talent and the competition Tennessee has to face.

Current State of Tennessee’s Recruitment

As it stands, Tennessee currently has no commitments in the 2026 basketball recruiting class, but the anticipation is building as coaches work tirelessly to secure commitments. On a positive note, the Vols have successfully locked in six players for the 2025 class, including a mix of forwards and guards like DeWayne Brown and Troy Henderson. This effort is key as the program expects to see a significant turnover after the upcoming season, with six seniors graduating and seven spots opening up on the roster.

Lady Vols Entering the Scene

Meanwhile, the Lady Vols are making waves of their own. Under new coach Kim Caldwell, their first recruiting class was ranked an impressive No. 2 nationally. The coaching staff is especially focused on securing talented forwards, especially with several key players over 6-foot-4 aging out of eligibility. One of the shining stars on Tennessee’s radar is five-star forward Oliviyah Edwards, who recently included Tennessee in her top 10 choices. Edwards plans to visit Tennessee officially from September 12-14, aiming to commit before the November signing period. This is exciting news as Edwards can both dunk and shoot from long range!

More Top Prospects Eyeing Tennessee

The Lady Vols aren’t stopping with just Edwards. They’re also drawing interest from a slew of other top recruits. Five-star forward Brihanna Crittendon and five-star guard Trinity Jones are two more prospects seriously considering Tennessee. Crittendon, known for her multi-level scoring ability, and Jones, with her impressive dunking skills, have both made visits to Knoxville. Plus, there’s Jacy Abii, a three-time state champion, and Bella Flemings, ranked No. 12, who are also keeping an eye on the Vols.

Looking Ahead

The official visits for various prospects are rolling in, with exciting dates marked on the calendar for small forward Jacob Webber and power forward Cody Peck. The Tennessee men’s basketball team will kick off their fall workouts soon, and with an exhibition game against Duke scheduled for October 26, there’s a lot to look forward to in the coming months. Coach Rick Barnes has already set a strong precedent by securing five-star recruit “Nate Ament“, a likely one-and-done talent, significantly enhancing the roster for future SEC competition.

In conclusion, the Tennessee basketball program is firing on all cylinders, eagerly pursuing top-tier recruits to build a formidable foundation for the future. With coaches navigating a challenging recruiting landscape and players like Anthony Brown Jr. and Oliviyah Edwards considering the Vols, it’s shaping up to be an exciting time for basketball enthusiasts in Knoxville.

FAQ Section

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Indiana High School Basketball Stars Shine in National Rankings
Washington Nationals Break Signing Record with Eli Willits

Additional Resources

• Knox News: Lady Vols Basketball Recruiting
• Vols Wire: Tennessee Basketball Recruiting
• On3: Jacob Webber Official Visit
• ESPN: Nate Ament Commits to Tennessee
• Google Search: Tennessee Basketball Recruiting

Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC

WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and regional news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.