Are the Tennessee Lady Vols Becoming a Powerhouse Again?

The Lady Vols have landed ESPN’s No. 1-ranked transfer portal class and the No. 2 overall high school signing class, signaling a bold new era of dominance in Knoxville.

Josh Greer | May 2, 2025

Tennessee Volunteers head coach Kim Caldwell talks with her team as Tennessee Volunteers face off with Texas Longhorns during the Sweet 16 at Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., on Saturday, March 29, 2025. Texas Longhorns defeated Tennessee Volunteers 67-59 to advance to the Elite 8. / Jake Crandall/ Advertiser / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

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Tennessee Volunteers

Tennessee women’s basketball isn’t just reloading — it’s reinventing itself into a national title contender.

Under the guidance of new head coach Kim Caldwell, the Lady Vols have landed ESPN’s No. 1-ranked transfer portal class and the No. 2 overall high school signing class, signaling a bold new era of dominance in Knoxville. With three elite transfers joining a returning core and one of the nation’s top freshman crops, Tennessee has quickly assembled one of the deepest and most versatile rosters in the country heading into the 2025–26 season.

The headline additions from the portal are forward Janiah Barker (UCLA), guard Nya Robertson (SMU), and forward Jersey Wolfenbarger (LSU) — three proven high-major talents who bring experience, skill, and physicality to a lineup already flush with potential.

Joining her is Robertson, a dynamic scorer who averaged double figures in all three seasons at SMU. Known for her ability to attack in transition, create off the dribble, and shoot from deep, Robertson projects as a high-impact guard who could thrive in Tennessee’s press-and-run system. Her scoring instincts and quick hands on defense make her an ideal backcourt fit in Caldwell’s scheme.

Then there’s Wolfenbarger — a former McDonald’s All-American and 6-foot-5 presence who played at both Arkansas and LSU. Her length, rebounding, and shot-blocking ability make her a defensive anchor. But what sets her apart is her mobility and court vision, rare traits for a player of her size. Wolfenbarger brings depth, size, and rim protection — further supercharging a defense that already forces chaos.

All of this comes on top of Tennessee’s No. 2-ranked freshman class, which is loaded with long-term potential and upside. Add in key returners from last year’s squad, and Caldwell will have no shortage of lineup options as she implements her fast-paced, high-pressure style.

The Lady Vols’ roster now features shooters, slashers, defenders, and rim protectors — a rare mix that gives Caldwell the freedom to tailor game plans to virtually any opponent. More importantly, it signals to the rest of the nation that Tennessee isn’t waiting to rebuild — they’re aiming to compete right now.

With top-tier talent, system versatility, and a renewed sense of identity, Tennessee is no longer flying under the radar. The Lady Vols are stacked, and the SEC — and the nation — should be on notice.