Tennessee’s women’s basketball program is making waves early in the offseason, with the Lady Vols earning recognition as one of the top contenders heading into the 2025-26 season. According to ESPN’s updated “Way-Too-Early” rankings by Charlie Creme, Tennessee now sits at No. 7 nationally, moving up one spot from its post-season ranking of No. 8. This modest yet meaningful jump reflects strategic roster decisions and a promising outlook under second-year head coach Kim Caldwell.
Despite the NCAA transfer portal still being open, many major roster moves across women’s college basketball have already occurred. For Tennessee, the transition period has been relatively smooth. The team has only lost three players through the portal—all of whom were reserves—and one walk-on guard who retired due to medical reasons. Importantly, the Lady Vols have retained all of their core contributors who were eligible to return.
Tennessee also capitalized on the transfer market by adding two players expected to contribute immediately. One of those additions is guard Nya Robertson from SMU, who has already signed with the program. Robertson averaged an impressive 18.5 points per game last season and brings scoring prowess and experience. Joining her is forward Janiah Barker from UCLA, a versatile presence who averaged 7.4 points and 6.0 rebounds per game. Barker has not officially signed yet, but is expected to do so soon.
The Lady Vols’ upward trajectory is further buoyed by a loaded incoming freshman class. Their 2025 recruiting haul is ranked No. 2 in the country by ESPNW and includes five standout signees. The headliner is Mia Pauldo, the No. 11-ranked player in the nation. She’s joined by Deniya Prawl (No. 14), Jaida Civil (No. 32), Lauren Hurst (No. 42), and Mya Pauldo (No. 56), creating a deep and talented pool of newcomers.
ESPN’s Charlie Creme praised Tennessee’s stability and additions, noting that no player on the roster averaged more than 25 minutes per game under Caldwell’s system, which may have helped reduce transfer activity. The coaching staff’s ability to keep the core intact while bringing in elite talent bodes well for the program’s continuity and competitiveness.
Leading the returning group are three cornerstone players: Talaysia Cooper, Zee Spearman, and Ruby Whitehorn. Cooper, a 6-foot guard with two years of eligibility remaining, led the team with 16.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game last season. Spearman, a 6-foot-4 forward with one year left, contributed 11.7 points and 6.0 rebounds per contest. Whitehorn, another guard with one year of eligibility, chipped in 11.6 points and 4.0 rebounds. Their return ensures a seasoned and reliable foundation.
Additional returning players include Kaiya Wynn, who missed last season due to injury, and several key reserves like Kaniya Boyd and Alyssa Latham. Wynn, a 6-foot guard, is expected to rejoin the rotation and contribute. Boyd, a guard with three years of eligibility, and Latham, a 6-foot-2 forward, will also be counted on for depth and development.
Meanwhile, Tennessee’s departures have had minimal impact on their core lineup. Those leaving via the transfer portal include Avery Strickland, Destinee Wells, and Favor Ayodele. None were major contributors statistically, averaging under two points per game each. More notable is the group of players who exhausted their eligibility, including consistent performers like Jewel Spear (12.5 ppg), Samara Spencer (10.6 ppg), and Tess Darby (6.4 ppg). Still, the combination of player development, incoming transfers, and elite freshmen appears to more than make up for those losses.
If the Lady Vols maintain or improve upon their projected No. 7 national ranking, they would likely earn a 2-seed in the 2026 NCAA Tournament. This seeding would allow them to host the first two rounds in Knoxville, facing a 15-seed in the opener and the winner of a 7 vs. 10 matchup in the second round. Last year, Tennessee entered as a 5-seed, defeating USF and then upsetting Ohio State on the Buckeyes’ home court before falling to 1-seed Texas in the Sweet 16.
Now, with an intact core, two strong transfer additions, and one of the top freshman classes in the country, the Lady Vols are positioned to build on that tournament success. Head coach Kim Caldwell’s system and recruiting prowess are clearly beginning to pay dividends, as the program earns its place back among the nation’s elite.
In short, Tennessee is showing signs of a resurgence. The mix of experience, incoming talent, and stability within the program gives fans and analysts plenty of reason for optimism. As the 2025-26 season approaches, expectations will continue to rise, and the Lady Vols look ready to meet them.
