As the 2024-25 college basketball season winds down and the spring transfer portal window swings wide open, Tennessee basketball is in full-on recruiting mode, determined to retool a roster that will lose nearly all of its production from the past year. With six seniors, including four of the team’s five starters, exiting the program, head coach Rick Barnes and the Vols are diving into the portal to rebuild the roster and stay competitive in the SEC.
One intriguing target for Tennessee comes in the form of Vanderbilt forward Jaylen Carey. The 6-foot-9, Davie, Florida native has been an integral part of the Commodores’ frontcourt, and it looks like he could be heading to Rocky Top. While Tennessee is primarily focused on reinforcing its backcourt, Carey would fill a crucial role in the frontcourt, offering the Vols much-needed length and experience in the paint.
During the 2024 season, Carey averaged 8 points and 5.7 rebounds per game for Vanderbilt, playing the center position for most of the year. However, at Tennessee, Carey would likely be slotted as a three or four, as the Vols already have a solid foundation in the center position with Felix Okpara and Cade Phillips likely returning as Tennessee’s fives. This shift in position could help Carey utilize his skill set more effectively within Tennessee’s up-tempo style.
While his ability to stretch the floor and make shots from the perimeter remains a challenge, Carey’s strength lies in his ability to contribute inside. His size and physicality would add another layer of depth to the Vols’ frontcourt, which struggled at times last season when facing taller, more athletic teams. Bringing in a player like Carey, with proven SEC experience, could help Tennessee address those weaknesses, particularly in rebounding and defensive matchups against lengthier teams.
Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes is no stranger to turning players into NBA-caliber talent, which could serve as an attractive selling point for Carey. With recent success stories like Dalton Knecht and Chaz Lanier, who are both likely to hear their names called in the NBA Draft, Barnes can show Carey that his development could result in a similar opportunity to play at the next level. The promise of NBA first-round potential, coupled with a history of developing pro talent, makes Tennessee a strong destination for a player looking to take his game to the next level.
Although the Vols missed out on another potential target, Virginia transfer Isaac McKneely, who committed to Louisville, they still have several promising options to consider in the portal, including Ja’Kobi Gillespie from Maryland. With more players continuing to enter the portal, Barnes and the Vols are well-positioned to shape a roster that fits their system, rather than simply bringing in high-profile names.
While Tennessee’s focus has been on rebuilding its backcourt, adding a forward like Carey would provide a much-needed boost to their frontcourt rotation. The Vols have always thrived on physicality, defense, and a balanced approach, and Carey fits perfectly into that mold. His experience in the SEC and ability to battle in the paint would complement the team’s returners and incoming players as they look to build on their success.
The Vols have time to make their case, with the portal still filling up with talent. But if Tennessee can secure a commitment from Carey, they would add a versatile, experienced player who could contribute immediately and help solidify their frontcourt.
As Rick Barnes continues to craft his 2025 roster, the Vols are looking not just for stars but for players who fit their system and have the potential to develop into elite contributors. With Carey, the Vols could be getting a player who not only brings experience but also fits seamlessly into Tennessee’s long-term plans.