This one seems to be moving quickly.
Tennessee’s season came to an end on Sunday afternoon in Indianapolis, which means transfer portal season is officially open. The Volunteers will have to hit the portal hard this year, just as they did a season ago. Rick Barnes will have to replace four starters and two key players off of the bench, as Zakai Zeigler, Chaz Lanier, Jordan Gainey, Jahmai Mashack, Igor Milicic and Darlinstone Dubar have all run out of eligibility.
One name that has quickly emerged as an option to replace Zeigler is Maryland transfer Ja’Kobi Gillespie. The Greeneville, Tennessee native started his career at Belmont, where he played two seasons. Gillespie then went to Maryland, where he averaged 14.7 points per game. He averaged 4.8 assists and two steals for the Terrapins, shooting 40.7 percent from three-point range.
Tennessee is also hosting Virginia sharpshooter Isaac McKneely today.
.@TiptonEdits believes Tennessee is the ‘frontrunner’ for Maryland guard Ja’Kobi Gillespie. #Vols hosting Virginia transfer guard Isaac McKneely on a visit today.
portal tracker szn
https://t.co/yb2KKxZiq4 pic.twitter.com/jpCyBTkNyF
— @GrantRamey (@GrantRamey) April 1, 2025
Gillespie checks in at 6-1, 185 pounds. As a sophomore at Belmont, Gillespie averaged over 17 points per game while shooting 38 percent from long range. He hits the transfer portal heading into his senior year following Kevin Willard’s decision to take the Villanova job.
Tennessee has also been connected to Purdue Fort Wayne guard Jalen Jackson, Illinois power forward Morez Johnson and Lincoln Memorial wing Elyjah Freeman. Barnes will add three to the roster from the 2025 recruiting class, signing point guard Troy Henderson, shooting guard Amari Evans and big man DeWayne Brown.
Expect decisions from Gillespie and McKneely soon.