Who Will Start for Tennessee? Get Your Predictions In!

The Tennessee Volunteers: A Fresh Start

Two months ago, if someone had told me that Tennessee would only bring back two players from their Elite Eight roster, I would have raised an eyebrow. But that's the unpredictable nature of college basketball in 2026. With three players chasing their dreams in the NBA and several more opting for the transfer portal, the Volunteers are charting a new course.

Head coach Rick Barnes had a strategy up his sleeve, and anyone close to the program saw it coming: go big or go home. The school backed him financially to assemble the strongest roster possible, and he didn't shy away from the challenge. Aiming to surpass that Elite Eight barrier, Barnes is determined to make this upcoming season one to remember.

New Faces and Rising Stars

Tennessee's roster is bolstered by fresh talent. The jewel of their recruiting class is Juke Harris, who arrives after a stellar season at Wake Forest. With his scoring prowess, he's poised to become one of the key players in Barnes' scheme. Joining him will be Terrence Hill, likely holding down the point guard position, and Dai Dai Ames, another high-scoring transfer from Cal.

Additionally, Tyler Lundblade brings his elite shooting from Belmont, enhancing the offensive capabilities of the team. Versatile former McDonald's All-American Jalen Haralson adds intriguing depth, able to play multiple roles at either the small forward or power forward spot. Together with newcomers Miles Rubin, Braeden Lue, and Christian Fermin, the frontcourt is rich in potential.

Let's not overlook the freshmen wings either. Chris Washington Jr., Ralph Scott, and Manny Green, along with 3-star point guard Marquis Clark, are also part of this exciting incoming class. With so many options, I'm certain at least one of these young contributors will make waves this season.

The Puzzle of the Starting Five

As summer progresses, it's all about fitting together the pieces to form the ideal starting lineup. Will Barnes opt for the perfect mix right out of the gate? My hunch is he'll try various configurations before settling in. So, why not have a little fun with speculation?

Here's my prediction for Tennessee's starting five:

1. PG: Terrence Hill
2. SG: Dai Dai Ames
3. SG: Juke Harris
4. F: Jalen Haralson
5. C: Dewayne Brown

For the rotation, I'm considering:

• F Miles Rubin
• G Tyler Lundblade
• G Troy Henderson
• F Braeden Lue
• F Christian Fermin

Time for Your Predictions

I want to hear from you — what's your take on the lineup? Toss your predictions into the comments below, and let's discuss your thoughts!