Vols Forward Jaylen Carey Expected to Enter Transfer Portal
Image: Andrew Ferguson/Tennessee Athletics
By Aidan Sidoti
KNOXVILLE – Tennessee junior forward Jaylen Carey is off to his fourth school in four years, entering the transfer portal Monday night, per On3’s Joe Tipton. Carey spent one season in Knoxville after previous stops at Vanderbilt and James Madison. He appeared in 37 games for the Vols, starting 8, and averaged 7.4 points and 6.0 rebounds in 18.5 minutes per game.
The Southwest Ranches (FL) native stepped into a larger role midway through the season as redshirt sophomore JP Estrella dealt with a foot injury. Carey delivered several strong performances throughout the year, including a career‑high 22 points on the road at Syracuse. He later posted an 11‑point, 10‑rebound double‑double in the Sweet Sixteen against Iowa State, helping push Tennessee to its third straight Elite Eight appearance.
Carey becomes the latest Vol front court piece to explore options elsewhere, joining Cade Phillips and JP Estrella in the portal. With multiple departures and the transfer window officially opening Tuesday, Rick Barnes and Co. face a crucial next few weeks to reshape a suddenly thin big-man room.
