Tennessee Forward DeWayne Brown Returning for 2026‑27 Season
Image: Andrew Ferguson/Tennessee Athletics
By Aidan Sidoti
KNOXVILLE – The Vols officially have a big man coming back to Rocky Top.
Tennessee freshman forward DeWayne Brown is returning to Knoxville for the 2026‑27 season, he announced Tuesday on Instagram.
A native of Hoover (AL), Brown appeared in 35 games for the Vols last season, starting 10, and averaged 4.8 points on 58.6% shooting along with 3.6 rebounds in 14.7 minutes per game. The former top‑ranked prospect out of Alabama becomes the first Tennessee player to officially announce his return and is positioned to be the lone returning frontcourt piece next season. Cade Phillips, JP Estrella, and Jaylen Carey have entered the transfer portal, Felix Okpara has used up all of his eligibility, and freshman Nate Ament is expected to declare for the NBA Draft.
“I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting and I just want to say how grateful I am for everything this place has given me,” Brown wrote on Instagram. “From the moment I got here I’ve been surrounded by people who believe in me, push me, and challenge me to grow not just as a player, but as a person… There’s still so much I want to accomplish here. I’m motivated, I’m focused, and I’m ready to keep building on what we’ve started. I’m excited for what’s ahead and to continue giving everything I’ve got to this team and this community.”
The 6‑foot‑8, 251‑pound upcoming sophomore ranked third on the team in field‑goal percentage last season and finished with 15 total blocks. With a larger role available and a reworked frontcourt around him, Brown is expected to take on increased minutes as Tennessee reshapes its roster for the 2026-27 season.
