Tennessee women’s basketball head coach Kim Caldwell officially announced the signing of LSU transfer forward Jersey Wolfenbarger on April 24, making her the third portal addition of the spring after guard Nya Robertson and forward Janiah Barker . The 6-foot-5 rising senior arrives in Knoxville as the No. 7 recruit in the 2021 high school class per espnW and a McDonald’s All-American, bringing both pedigree and experience to the Lady Vols . Wolfenbarger will occupy one of the final scholarship spots on Tennessee’s projected 2025-26 roster, joining a group that already features seven top-30 prospects from the espnW rankings .
Signing Announcement
Official Statement
“Jersey will provide size and speed, which is the perfect combination of what we are looking for,” Caldwell said, highlighting Wolfenbarger’s fit in Tennessee’s up-tempo, rim-running offense . In her release, the coach noted that Wolfenbarger’s transition game and athleticism will help “make our team faster” while enhancing depth at the forward position . Wolfenbarger herself celebrated the move on social media, sharing an Instagram post with the caption “Go Lady Vols – committed,” and expressing excitement about joining a program with a storied tradition and passionate fan base .
Player Profile
College Career Overview
Over her first two collegiate seasons at Arkansas, Wolfenbarger appeared in 65 games—starting 23 in her freshman campaign—averaging 5.2 points and 3.6 rebounds while showing perimeter shooting ability with 17 three-pointers as a rookie . After sitting out the 2023-24 season, she transferred to LSU for 2024-25, contributing in all 37 games (nine starts) and posting averages of 4.6 points and 3.4 rebounds in just 13.2 minutes per contest . Wolfenbarger shot an efficient 63 percent from the field at LSU, demonstrating improved scoring efficiency and readiness to impact at the next level . During LSU’s run to the NCAA Elite Eight, she played 24 total minutes across four postseason games, adding eight points and four rebounds to her résumé .
High School Accolades
A native of Fort Smith, Arkansas, Wolfenbarger was a consensus five-star recruit and No. 1 wing in the ESPNW 2021 rankings, earning McDonald’s and Jordan Brand Classic All-American honors . She won two state championships at Fort Smith Northside High School, including a famous buzzer-beater to clinch the 2019 6A title, and was named Arkansas Gatorade Player of the Year in both 2020 and 2021 . Internationally, she represented Team USA at the 2021 FIBA U19 World Cup in Debrecen, Hungary, helping capture a gold medal with a perfect 7-0 record .
Impact on Tennessee’s Roster
Addressing Size and Depth
Tennessee closed the women’s basketball transfer window having lost only three role players—Avery Strickland, Favor Ayodele, and Destinee Wells—and added three impact transfers, preserving roster continuity while upgrading talent . Wolfenbarger’s arrival bolsters a forward corps that already features 6-4 Janiah Barker, creating a formidable frontcourt duo in Kim Caldwell’s system . At 6-5, her length and athleticism fill a critical need for interior defense, rebounding, and transition scoring that was identified as a priority during the offseason .
Coach Caldwell’s Vision
Since taking over the program in April 2024, Caldwell has emphasized speed, spacing, and versatile bigs who can stretch the floor and finish in transition—attributes that align perfectly with Wolfenbarger’s game . Caldwell returned to the bench just one week after giving birth to her first child, showcasing the resilience and dedication she expects from her players .
Role and Expectations in 2025-26
On-Court Contributions
Wolfenbarger is expected to compete for immediate playing time, likely slotting in as the second or third big behind returners Talaysia Cooper and Ruby Whitehorn . Her ability to run the floor, finish at the rim, and knock down high-percentage shots in the paint will complement Tennessee’s perimeter-oriented guards and help diversify its offensive sets .
Team Goals and Outlook
With a mix of experienced transfers, returning veterans, and a top-ranked 2025 recruiting class, Tennessee is poised to contend for SEC supremacy and make a deep NCAA Tournament run . The Lady Vols aim to improve upon their Sweet Sixteen finish in 2025 by leveraging newfound frontcourt depth and the versatility that Wolfenbarger brings to the lineup .
Conclusion
Jersey Wolfenbarger’s commitment represents a strategic coup for Coach Caldwell and the Lady Vols, combining proven college production, high school excellence, and elite physical tools in one package . As Tennessee continues to reload through the transfer portal and incoming freshman class, Wolfenbarger’s presence should accelerate the program’s return to national prominence in 2025-26 .
