Tennessee Basketball 2026-27 Transfer Updates: Rick Barnes’ Roster Changes

Tennessee is reshaping its roster after a third straight Elite Eight exit. The Vols will return nine impact players next season.

Current roster outlook

Starters Bishop Boswell and J.P. Estrella have multiple years of eligibility left. Rotation pieces Jaylen Carey, Amari Evans, Ethan Burg, and DeWayne Brown II are also expected to be back.

Freshman forward Nate Ament remains undecided about the 2026 NBA Draft. His choice will influence Tennessee’s plans for 2026-27.

Season recap and timing

The team stumbled early in March, losing four of six games. Tennessee fell in the SEC Tournament quarterfinals to Vanderbilt.

The Vols entered March Madness as a No. 6 seed, the lowest of the Rick Barnes era. They beat Miami (Ohio), Virginia, and Iowa State before a 95-62 loss to Michigan in the Elite Eight.

The NCAA transfer portal opens April 7 and closes April 21. That window will shape late offseason roster moves.

Transfer portal movement

On April 1, former Belmont guard Tyler Lundblade announced his transfer to Tennessee. The 6-foot-5 guard joins the Vols via social media.

Lundblade averaged 15.6 points this season. He shot over 40% from three in the last two campaigns and started every game for a 26-6 Belmont team.

How Lundblade fits

Lundblade provides perimeter scoring after the likely departures of JaKobi Gillespie and possibly Nate Ament. He can stretch the floor and create offense.

Needs in the portal

Tennessee could lose three starters for 2026-27. JaKobi Gillespie and Felix Okpara are seniors, and Nate Ament may enter the draft.

The Vols must find another pair of high-end, high-volume scorers. Gillespie and Ament combined for more than 34 points per game last season.

Defensive concerns

Replacing Felix Okpara’s rim protection is a priority. Okpara ranked about 80th nationally in blocks per game.

At 6-foot-11, Okpara used his size and wingspan to deter shots and grab rebounds. Tennessee will look for a defensive anchor in the portal.

Ament’s decision and draft outlook

After the Michigan loss, Ament said he would consult his coaches and close circle about the draft. The 6-foot-10 freshman has strong NBA potential.

Ament averaged 16.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.0 steals across 35 games. He shot 39.9% from the field and 33.3% from three.

If he declares, he could become Tennessee’s first lottery pick since Marcus Haislip went No. 13 in 2002.

What to watch next

• Transfer portal activity between April 7 and April 21.
• Ament’s decision on the 2026 NBA Draft.
• Targets for scoring and interior defense in the portal.

For Tennessee Basketball 2026-27 Transfer Updates: Rick Barnes’ Roster Changes, Filmogaz.com will track additions and departures during the transfer window.