The transfer portal continues to shape the landscape of women’s college basketball, and two high-profile former UCLA athletes are set to make major impacts at their new destinations. Janiah Barker, a standout forward who previously transferred to UCLA from Texas A&M, has committed to the Tennessee Lady Vols. Meanwhile, dynamic guard Londynn Jones is heading to the West Coast to join the USC Trojans. These moves not only reflect the growing player mobility in college sports but also signal a bold new chapter for both athletes and the programs they’re joining.
Barker’s decision to join Tennessee comes as a major win for the Lady Vols. The 6-foot-4 forward has long been considered one of the most physically dominant players in the country. A former McDonald’s All-American, Barker brings with her a reputation for being a relentless rebounder, tenacious defender, and capable scorer in the post. During her time at UCLA, she showed flashes of brilliance despite battling injuries that limited her ability to fully take over games. Now healthy and re-focused, Barker’s arrival in Knoxville has Tennessee fans buzzing about what she could mean for a program looking to return to its former glory.
Under head coach Kellie Harper, the Lady Vols have shown steady progress and competitiveness in the always-difficult SEC, but they’ve yet to reach the Final Four since Pat Summitt’s retirement. Adding a talent like Barker could be the missing piece Tennessee needs to make a serious run in March. Her size and skillset make her a matchup nightmare, particularly in a conference known for its physical style of play. Barker also brings experience against elite competition, having faced top-tier opponents in both the SEC and Pac-12. That experience should pay dividends when the postseason rolls around.
But more than just her talent on the floor, Barker brings leadership and resilience. Her journey through college basketball has not been linear. Transferring schools, dealing with injuries, and now finding a new home again all speak to a player who refuses to give up. Tennessee will not only gain an elite athlete but also a mature competitor who understands adversity and is motivated to make the most of her opportunity. As she steps into a leadership role with the Lady Vols, her influence could elevate the younger players around her, creating a more cohesive and driven team culture.
On the other side of the country, Londynn Jones is staying in her home state of California to suit up for the USC Trojans. A high-octane guard known for her scoring ability and court vision, Jones made a name for herself at UCLA with clutch performances and an aggressive playing style. While undersized at 5-foot-4, Jones more than makes up for it with heart, speed, and a fearlessness that has earned her comparisons to other elite small guards like Crystal Dangerfield and Chelsea Gray. Her decision to transfer comes as USC looks to bolster its backcourt with proven talent as they aim to compete for a Pac-12 title in the conference’s final season before it undergoes significant realignment.
USC head coach Lindsay Gottlieb has already made major strides in rebuilding the Trojans into a national contender, and the addition of Jones fits seamlessly into that vision. Last season, USC leaned heavily on their frontcourt, but struggled at times with guard depth and consistency from the perimeter. Jones provides an immediate solution. Her ability to shoot from distance, penetrate defenses, and facilitate in transition gives USC a new dimension offensively. She thrives in up-tempo situations and isn’t afraid to take big shots in big moments.
More than just a scorer, Jones is also a tenacious defender, often drawing assignments against the opposing team’s best guard. She plays with a chip on her shoulder and brings an edge that could help USC become one of the most dangerous teams in the country. Her familiarity with the Pac-12 will also be an asset, as she won’t need time to adjust to the competition level. She knows the arenas, the rivalries, and the grind of the conference schedule.
Jones’ transfer also reunites her with a number of fellow California natives and AAU teammates, giving her a built-in support system as she transitions to life at USC. That familiarity and comfort level could allow her to hit the ground running and make an immediate impact. With the Trojans looking to build off their NCAA Tournament success and take the next step as a program, the timing of this acquisition couldn’t be better.
These twin commitments from Barker and Jones are emblematic of a broader shift in college basketball. The transfer portal has given athletes unprecedented freedom to find the best fit for their skills and aspirations, and programs are now adapting to build rosters that can compete immediately. The days of multi-year rebuilds are waning as teams turn to experienced players who can change a season’s trajectory overnight.
For Tennessee, Barker’s arrival adds star power and frontcourt dominance. The Lady Vols are no strangers to great post players, from Chamique Holdsclaw to Candace Parker, and Barker has the potential to add her name to that storied lineage. She’ll bring physicality, finesse, and a hunger to prove herself as one of the nation’s best.
At USC, Jones represents the spark plug the Trojans have been missing. Her quickness, creativity, and toughness could elevate the entire offense and give USC a reliable floor general who can also finish at the rim or hit from outside. In a wide-open Pac-12 race, her play could be the difference between a good season and a great one.
Both players are betting on themselves and embracing new challenges in programs that are hungry for success. Barker and Jones could have chosen easier paths, but instead they’re stepping into roles that demand leadership, accountability, and excellence. Their respective journeys will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, not just because of their individual talents, but because they symbolize a new era in the women’s game.
As the 2025-26 season approaches, all eyes will be on Knoxville and Los Angeles. Can Barker help restore the Lady Vols to the Final Four? Will Jones lead the Trojans to Pac-12 dominance before the conference undergoes its next evolution? These are the storylines that will drive headlines and stir anticipation throughout the offseason.
Their decisions also highlight how today’s elite athletes think about their careers. It’s not just about the name on the jersey, but the opportunity to compete, to grow, and to lead. Barker and Jones are chasing more than wins—they’re chasing greatness. And in doing so, they’re giving fans of Tennessee and USC plenty to dream about heading into next year.
In a sport where momentum can shift quickly and impact can be felt immediately, these two transfers may prove to be among the most consequential moves of the offseason. The Lady Vols and Trojans are each getting not only talented athletes but battle-tested leaders. For Barker and Jones, the next chapter is just beginning—and it’s one that promises to be unforgettable.