Tennessee Hoops Opens Season Ranked No. 18 in AP Poll
Image: Andrew Ferguson/Tennessee Athletics
By Aidan Sidoti
Tennessee basketball enters the 2025–26 campaign ranked No. 18 in the AP Poll, one spot behind Illinois, who they’ll face on Dec. 6, and one ahead of Kansas.
The Vols head into the season looking to build on last year’s Elite Eight run, which ended with a loss to Houston. Tennessee remains one of the sport’s most prominent programs yet to reach the Final Four.
Five-star forward Nate Ament– the highest-ranked recruit in program history – arrives with expectations to contribute immediately. His length with a seven-foot wingspan and scoring ability gives Tennessee a key piece in the frontcourt.
At point guard, Maryland transfer Ja’Kobi Gillespie steps in for Zakai Zeigler after averaging 14.7 points and 4.8 assists last season.
Gillespie’s ability to create off the dribble gives Tennessee a reliable option at point. His experience and scoring touch will be critical as the Vols adjust to life without Zeigler.
Tennessee opens the season Nov. 3 with a 7 p.m. ET tip against Mercer at Thompson-Boling Arena.
Here’s the full Top 25:
