Vols Drop Two Spots to No. 20 In Latest AP Poll
Image: Andrew Ferguson/Tennessee Athletics
By Aidan Sidoti
Tennessee is 2-0.
The Vols have outscored opponents by a combined 54 points.
And somehow, they dropped two spots in the latest AP Poll.
After opening the season ranked No. 18, Tennessee slid to No. 20 on Monday despite convincing wins over Mercer 76-61 and Northern Kentucky 95-56.
The drop comes as a surprise given Tennessee’s early dominance and breakout performances from key newcomers.
True freshman Nate Ament has been electric, averaging 20.5 points and 8.5 rebounds through his first two career games, including a 23-point, 8 rebound showing against NKU.
Maryland transfer Ja’Kobi Gillespie has added 14 points and 5 assists per game, featuring a 20-point outing Saturday.
Redshirt sophomore J.P. Estrella is also off to a strong start, averaging 14.5 points and 8 rebounds, and recording his first-career double-double with 17 and 11 against Northern Kentucky.
Tennessee returns to action Wednesday evening against North Florida at 7 p.m. ET on SEC Network+.
With five other SEC teams now ranked, Alabama (8), Kentucky (9), Florida (10), Arkansas (21), and Auburn (22), the Vols will look to climb in the rankings as the non-conference slate continues.
Check out the full AP Poll here:
