Rick Barnes Issues Official Statement on 2025–2026 Tennessee Volunteers Roster: “We’re Building for March, Not Just November”
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — April 20, 2025 — In what has become an annual tradition of transparency and strategic insight, longtime Tennessee Volunteers head coach Rick Barnes held a press conference at Pratt Pavilion to officially address the state of his 2025–2026 men’s basketball roster. With his 10th season at the helm now behind him and his 39th year overall as a head coach on the horizon, Barnes made it abundantly clear: expectations remain sky-high, and every roster decision made this offseason has been geared toward one goal — building a battle-hardened, tournament-ready team.
As the lights dimmed and the room filled with reporters, Barnes stepped to the podium and calmly unfolded a paper from his inside jacket pocket — a list of returnees, incoming transfers, and freshmen. But before reading a single name, he offered a message laden with conviction:
> “We’re not interested in just fielding a team that can win in November and December. We’re shaping a roster that can survive March — one that has the maturity, toughness, and depth to make a serious run.”
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Departures: Acknowledging the Losses
Barnes began by paying tribute to the players whose time in Knoxville had come to an end, either via graduation, the NBA Draft, or the transfer portal.
“We’ve said goodbye to some incredible young men,” Barnes said. “Santiago Vescovi leaves behind one of the most impactful careers I’ve ever coached. Jonas Aidoo took a big step last year and is off to pursue the professional dream. We also lost a couple guys to the portal — that’s the era we live in now. But I have nothing but love for them and their families.”
While not all names were disclosed, insiders confirm that four players from the 2024–2025 squad have entered the portal, including sophomore guard Cam Carr and reserve forward Cade Phillips.
“I told every one of them: make the decision that’s best for you. And when they did, we supported them all the way,” Barnes said. “That’s how it should be.”
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The Returnees: Veteran Core Provides Stability
Despite key departures, Barnes emphasized that the backbone of next year’s team remains strong. Senior point guard Zakai Zeigler is returning for what he’s calling “unfinished business,” while forward Jahmai Mashack has also confirmed his commitment to a final collegiate season.
“Zakai is the heart of this team,” Barnes stated firmly. “There’s no one tougher. No one more competitive. He’s taken on a leadership role that I don’t think even he anticipated.”
Mashack’s defensive versatility will again be central to the team’s identity, with Barnes hinting at an expanded offensive role for the 6’5″ wing.
“He’s worked all offseason on his jumper and post-game. You’ll see a different Jahmai next year — more aggressive, more vocal, and more confident.”
Also returning are guards Freddie Dilione V and J.P. Estrella, both of whom showed flashes of brilliance last season but will be expected to shoulder more responsibility in 2025–2026.
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Incoming Transfers: Instant Impact Additions
Tennessee has made major waves in the transfer portal, adding three players that Barnes believes will have immediate and meaningful roles:
Malik Presley, a 6’7″ forward from Texas State, brings scoring punch and athleticism. Barnes praised Presley’s ability to “get downhill and finish through contact” while also being a “plus defender in space.”
Derrick Simpson, a transfer guard from Rutgers, has drawn comparisons to former Vol Jordan Bone. “He’s lightning quick and brings toughness on both ends,” Barnes said. “He’s going to challenge Zakai every day in practice.”
Reggie Bass, formerly of Western Michigan, adds versatility in the backcourt. At 6’5″, he can guard multiple positions and is a volume shooter with deep range.
“We didn’t just go looking for talent,” Barnes said of his transfer targets. “We looked for fit, character, and guys who’ve already been through the wars of college basketball.”
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The Freshman Class: High Ceilings, Long Leashes
The 2025 recruiting class may be smaller than previous years, but Barnes couldn’t hide his excitement about their potential.
Leading the group is Trevor Thompson, a 6’10″ center from Nashville who’s drawn national attention for his blend of shot-blocking and perimeter shooting.
“He’s raw, but special,” Barnes said. “Trevor gives us something we haven’t had since Kyle Alexander — a true rim protector who can also step out and stretch the floor.”
Also arriving is combo guard Jayden Knox, a wiry 6’3″ scorer from Georgia known for his fearless shot selection and lockdown perimeter defense.
“We’ll throw him into the fire early,” Barnes said with a smirk. “He reminds me of a young Admiral Schofield in how he carries himself.”
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Philosophy Over Hype: Barnes Remains Grounded
While many programs trumpet their transfer haul or freshman class as instant saviors, Barnes remains cautious and grounded in his messaging.
“Nothing is guaranteed,” he said. “Just because a guy transfers in or comes in highly ranked doesn’t mean he’s ready. That’s why we emphasize development. That’s what this program is built on.”
He acknowledged that building team chemistry in this new era of constant turnover is harder than ever — but that doesn’t change his expectations.
“We’ll be tough to play against,” he said. “We’ll defend. We’ll rebound. And if the ball movement is there, we’ll score enough to beat anybody in the country.”
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A Glimpse Into Style of Play: More Tempo, More Freedom
One of the more intriguing takeaways from Barnes’ statement was a subtle but significant change in style of play. He hinted at a faster-paced offense with more early offense and spacing.
“We’ve got more guys now who can play off the bounce, more shooting, and more positional flexibility,” Barnes said. “We’re going to let them run more. Let them play free — within structure, of course.”
That shift likely stems from the personnel he’s assembled — a blend of veteran guards, mobile forwards, and shot-makers at multiple positions.
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Final Words: “We Owe It to This Fanbase”
In wrapping up the nearly 45-minute press conference, Barnes spoke directly to Vol Nation.
“We know what this program means to people across this state. We know what Thompson-Boling at Food City Arena can be when we’re firing on all cylinders. And we owe it to this fanbase to bring consistency, grit, and excellence every single night.”
With one of the most experienced staffs in the SEC and a roster loaded with intriguing pieces, Tennessee enters the 2025–2026 campaign with the quiet confidence of a team that has grown stronger through adversity — and with Rick Barnes still leading the way, the Vols are anything but finished.
