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2025 Five-Star Forward Projected to Commit to Tennessee Basketball
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Volunteers basketball program is once again making headlines on the recruiting trail. According to multiple sources and recruiting analysts, a major commitment could be on the horizon. The Vols are currently the frontrunners for elite 2025 five-star forward Jaylen Cross, a 6-foot-9 phenom widely considered one of the top high school prospects in the nation.
If Cross does follow through with what many experts are predicting and chooses Rocky Top, it would mark one of the most significant recruiting wins of the Rick Barnes era—and a potential program-altering addition heading into the second half of the decade.
Jaylen Cross, a native of Charlotte, North Carolina, plays for powerhouse prep school Lincoln Heights Academy. He’s currently ranked No. 7 overall in the 247Sports Composite and is the No. 2 power forward in the 2025 recruiting cycle. His game has drawn comparisons to NBA stars like Jaren Jackson Jr. and Michael Porter Jr., thanks to his ability to stretch the floor, defend multiple positions, and create his own shot.
Cross averaged 22.4 points, 10.1 rebounds, 3.3 blocks, and 2.5 assists per game this past season, while shooting an impressive 38% from beyond the arc. At 6-foot-9 with a 7-foot wingspan, he possesses both the size and agility to be a matchup nightmare at the college level.
“He’s the total package,” said one ACC scout. “Jaylen can guard 1 through 5, run the floor, protect the rim, and knock down threes. He’s as versatile as they come.”
So why is a player of Cross’s caliber seemingly leaning toward Tennessee over blue bloods like Duke, Kentucky, and Kansas?
It starts with the relationships. According to sources close to the situation, Cross has developed a strong bond with head coach Rick Barnes and assistant coach Rod Clark. Barnes, a veteran coach known for developing NBA talent such as Kevin Durant and Grant Williams, has reportedly made Cross a top priority in the 2025 class.
“The conversations with Coach Barnes are always real,” Cross told On3 in a recent interview. “He doesn’t sugarcoat anything, and I respect that. He’s shown he believes in me not just as a player, but as a person.”
Tennessee’s recent track record of player development has also been a factor. The Vols have sent multiple players to the NBA in recent years, including Kennedy Chandler, Keon Johnson, Jaden Springer, and most recently Julian Phillips and Josiah-Jordan James.
Cross has visited Knoxville twice—once unofficially in the fall, and again on an official visit in March. Both trips reportedly left a strong impression.
“I loved the energy there,” he said after his second visit. “The fans, the facilities, the vibe with the players—it just felt like home.”
Tennessee has become known for its tough, defensive-minded approach under Barnes, but recent years have also seen the program open up offensively. Cross’s combination of rim protection, perimeter shooting, and athleticism fits perfectly with the Vols’ evolving system.
With Tennessee expected to lose several key frontcourt players after the 2024–25 season, including Jonas Aidoo and Tobe Awaka, there will be immediate minutes available. Cross could slide into a starting role as a freshman and anchor the front line, especially if he continues to develop his ball-handling and shooting consistency.
“The plan would be to use him as a stretch-four, but he’s skilled enough to play the three or the five in certain lineups,” said a source within the program. “He gives us flexibility on both ends of the floor.”
Though Tennessee is projected as the leader, the recruitment is far from over. Programs like Duke, North Carolina, Alabama, and Michigan State remain involved. Cross has also shown interest in the G League Ignite and Overtime Elite pathways, though his family has reportedly emphasized the importance of college development and education.
Alabama hosted Cross for a visit earlier this spring, and head coach Nate Oats has been making a strong pitch based on his up-tempo offensive system. Michigan State’s Tom Izzo has also been a consistent presence at Cross’s games and is banking on his experience and reputation for toughness.
Still, industry insiders believe Tennessee holds the edge thanks to the early groundwork they’ve laid and the consistency of their messaging.
“They got in early and have built real trust,” said a recruiting analyst from 247Sports. “Unless something major changes, I’d be surprised if he doesn’t end up a Volunteer.”
Should Cross commit, he would be the crown jewel of what is shaping up to be a strong 2025 class for the Vols. Tennessee already holds commitments from four-star shooting guard Treyvon Mills out of Georgia and three-star point guard Isaiah Thomas from Indiana. Adding Cross would likely push the Vols into the top 5 nationally for the 2025 recruiting cycle.
“He’s a program-changer,” said another SEC coach. “That’s the kind of guy who can carry you deep into March.”
The commitment would also serve as a statement to the rest of the SEC that Tennessee is not only here to stay but ready to compete at the highest level in the new era of college basketball—where recruiting, development, and NIL all intertwine.
Speaking of NIL, Tennessee has become a strong player in that realm, thanks to the work of their collective, The Volunteer Club. Cross’s camp has expressed an interest in making sure the right NIL infrastructure is in place—not just for financial gain, but to build his brand.
Tennessee’s combination of exposure, passionate fanbase, and strong NIL presence could help give them a final edge over other programs. Insiders believe a potential NIL deal could be in the seven-figure range should Cross commit.
“Jaylen wants to be at a place where he can grow on and off the court,” said a family friend. “He’s not chasing the highest bidder, but he does want to make sure the support is there. Tennessee checks all the boxes.”
Cross has not announced a specific commitment date, but sources believe he could make a decision by the end of the summer. He is expected to take two more visits—possibly to Kansas and Arizona—before shutting things down.
With Tennessee’s consistent presence, early investment, and clear path to playing time, the ball appears to be in their court. All signs point to Rocky Top being the next stop for one of the most talented prospects in the country.
Recruiting battles for five-star talent are never easy, and Tennessee will need to remain vigilant until Cross puts pen to paper. But for now, they appear to be in pole position for a commitment that could redefine their 2025–26 season.
Jaylen Cross has the tools to be a one-and-done star, the charisma to become a fan favorite, and the mindset to thrive in Rick Barnes’s system. If he does indeed choose the Vols, expect fireworks in Knoxville—and perhaps a deep tournament run to follow soon after.
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