The buzz around East Tennessee basketball is getting louder, and this time, it centers on a homegrown star. Trey Thompson, a 4-star prospect out of Greeneville High School, made his much-anticipated official visit to the University of Tennessee this week, putting the Volunteers in prime position to land one of the top players in the state and a rising name on the national scene.
Thompson, a 6-foot-7 forward known for his explosive athleticism, high motor, and versatile two-way skillset, has long been on Tennessee’s radar. But his official visit to Knoxville marked a major development in the recruiting battle for the blue-chip prospect. For Thompson, who has received offers from several SEC powerhouses and elite programs nationwide, the trip to Rocky Top gave him a firsthand glimpse of what it would be like to stay close to home and play for a team on the rise.
From the moment Thompson arrived on campus, the Tennessee staff made it clear that he is a top priority. Head coach Rick Barnes, along with assistants Justin Gainey and Gregg Polinsky, personally welcomed Thompson and his family, offering a transparent vision of his future with the program. Barnes, whose track record of developing NBA-caliber forwards speaks for itself, spent significant time with Thompson breaking down film, detailing player development plans, and mapping out how his game would evolve within the Volunteers’ system.
Sources close to the visit say the atmosphere inside Thompson-Boling Arena left a lasting impression. Though it’s the offseason, Thompson toured the facilities, got an up-close look at the locker rooms and training rooms, and met with strength coaches, academic advisors, and team personnel. He also had the opportunity to bond with current players, many of whom were on hand to answer questions and share their personal experiences at Tennessee.
The chemistry between Thompson and Tennessee’s current roster was immediately evident. One player, who asked not to be named, said, “Trey already feels like one of us. He’s easy to talk to, works hard, and has that edge we all respect.” Thompson participated in a few light workouts and informal shootarounds, showing off the skills that have made him one of the most coveted recruits in the Class of 2026. His ability to handle the ball, stretch the floor with a consistent jumper, and defend multiple positions aligns perfectly with Tennessee’s modern, positionless brand of basketball.
What makes Thompson’s potential commitment even more exciting for the Vols is the deep-rooted connection he has to the region. Growing up just over an hour from Knoxville, Thompson has been surrounded by Tennessee orange his entire life. He’s spoken in previous interviews about watching Vols legends like Grant Williams and Admiral Schofield, and more recently, admiring the rise of players like Josiah-Jordan James and Zakai Zeigler. While Thompson has remained measured and professional throughout his recruitment, there’s no doubt that the allure of representing his home state holds weight in his decision-making process.
Recruiting analysts have consistently praised Thompson not just for his athletic tools, but for his maturity, leadership, and competitive drive. He helped lead Greeneville to a deep postseason run this past year, averaging over 22 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists per game while earning All-State honors. His performances on the Nike EYBL circuit this spring only enhanced his reputation, drawing scouts from blueblood programs like North Carolina, Kansas, and Michigan State.
Still, Tennessee’s pitch has been unique — offering Thompson the chance to not only continue growing in one of the nation’s top developmental programs but also to become the face of a team that’s reloading for another deep NCAA Tournament run. With potential one-and-done forward Ace Bailey likely headed to the NBA after next season, there’s a clear opportunity for Thompson to step in and contribute immediately.
The timing of the visit is also notable. Tennessee is coming off one of the most successful stretches in program history under Barnes, including multiple Sweet 16 and Elite Eight appearances, a regular-season SEC title, and a reputation as one of the most defensively disciplined teams in the country. The Vols continue to build momentum on the recruiting trail, having recently landed 5-star point guard Marcus Allen and top-40 center Jaxon Martin. Adding Thompson would push the Vols’ 2026 class into elite territory and further solidify Tennessee’s standing as a top destination for high-level talent.
Family has always played a major role in Thompson’s decision-making process, and his parents were closely involved during the visit. They met extensively with academic staff and toured various parts of campus, including dormitories and student-athlete study centers. According to those in attendance, the Thompsons were impressed by the university’s commitment to supporting student-athletes both on and off the court.
While Thompson has not announced a commitment timeline, he’s expected to take additional official visits this summer, including trips to Alabama, Virginia, and Baylor. However, those close to the recruitment believe Tennessee has surged into the lead — or at least established itself as a finalist. One recruiting insider noted, “Tennessee knocked it out of the park with this visit. They showed him everything he needed to see and more. The family was blown away.”
For now, Thompson remains focused on continuing his development and preparing for his senior season. But make no mistake — the Volunteers are now in a very strong position to land one of the most talented and impactful players to come out of East Tennessee in a generation. And if they do, it won’t just be a win on the recruiting trail — it will be a statement that Tennessee basketball isn’t just keeping pace with the nation’s best, but setting the standard.
