Where Tennessee basketball is ranked in early 2025-26 rankings under Rick Barnes

Tennessee basketball is considered a top-25 team again next season under coach Rick Barnes.

The Vols have made back-to-back Elite Eights for the first time in program history. Early expectations vary on the Vols looking ahead to the 2025-26 season following Florida winning the 2025 national title Monday against Houston.

Here is where Tennessee is ranked in the early rankings before teams have finalized rosters:

ESPN: No. 21

"Tennessee seems to be busy in the transfer portal early, and for good reason," wrote Jeff Borzello. "Program stalwart Zakai Zeigler is gone, as are starters Chaz Lanier, Jahmai Mashack, Igor Milicic Jr. and reserves Jordan Gainey and Darlinstone Dubar. Rick Barnes already landed Maryland transfer Ja'Kobi Gillespie, one of the best point guards available, and big man Jaylen Carey from Vanderbilt. But the Vols desperately need a boost on the wings."

247Sports: No. 10

"Ja'Kobi Gillespie is one of the best point guards in the country," wrote Isaac Trotter. "Big man Felix Okpara should be a SEC Defensive Player of the Year frontrunner. That duo alone gives Tennessee real staying power. Tennessee will skyrocket if it aces the portal again like the last two years."

CAREY: Jaylen Carey commits to Tennessee basketball as Vanderbilt transfer forward

Sporting News: No. 19

"The Vols may have more important players running out of eligibility than anybody in high-major basketball," wrote Mike DeCourcy. "They also point guard Ja’Kobi Gillespie on the way in to run the show."

Mike Wilson covers University of Tennessee athletics. Email him at michael.wilson@knoxnews.com and follow him on X @ByMikeWilson or Bluesky