The Tennessee Volunteers were a sound defensive team in 2024-25, and a big part of that success will be coming back to the team next season.
Per Knox News Sentinel’s Mike Wilson, center Felix Okpara will be returning to Tennessee next year for his senior season.
Felix Okpara is returning to Tennessee for his senior season.
Okpara averaged 7.1 rebounds and 6.4 points after transferring to UT from Ohio State. The 6-foot-11 forward led UT with 64 blocks.
— Mike Wilson (@ByMikeWilson) April 4, 2025
Okpara came to Tennessee last offseason as a transfer out of Ohio State, filling a big hole that Jonas Aidoo left when he departed for Arkansas shortly after the Vols’ Elite Eight loss to Purdue. It goes without saying that Okpara filled that defensive role of rim protector very well. He led the Vols with 64 blocks and did well with redirecting shots and generally denying easy access to the goal throughout the season. Given the Vols’ struggles on offense at times, his contributions on the defensive end were particularly important.
While not a big offensive factor, he still found his way onto the score sheet with 6.4 points per game. He and Zakai Zeigler managed to connect regularly on screen and roll alley oops.
With Okpara returning, the Vols have him, Cade Phillips, and J.P. Estrella set to return as big men on the roster for next season. They also have heralded signee Dewayne Brown – who won a slew of awards his final year in high school – coming in next year out of high school (Hoover, AL). The transfer portal is also just getting heated up. As such, we’ll see soon enough how the group looks to be taking shape for next season.
Regardless, Tennessee will have their muscle on the defensive end back for one more year.