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Title: Knoxville Dreaming: How the Lady Vols’ No. 7 National Ranking Could Pave the Way to Hosting in the 2026 NCAA Tournament
Knoxville, TN – The Tennessee Lady Volunteers basketball program has long been synonymous with excellence. From the storied legacy of Pat Summitt to the relentless drive of today’s rising stars, the orange and white continue to be one of the most respected programs in women’s college basketball. Now, with a projected No. 7 national ranking heading into the 2025–26 season, the Lady Vols are not only in the hunt for another Final Four appearance—they’re poised to earn a coveted 2-seed in the NCAA Tournament, granting them the opportunity to host the first two rounds right at home in Knoxville.
This would be more than just a competitive advantage. For the Lady Vols, playing tournament basketball on the court where legends have been made—at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center—represents a chance to galvanize a fanbase, showcase their dominance, and take a serious step toward national title contention.
In recent years, the structure of the NCAA Women’s Tournament has rewarded top-four seeds in each region with home-court advantage for the first two rounds. For programs like Tennessee, where women’s basketball is an institution and fan support is unmatched, this advantage is amplified tenfold. A 2-seed would almost certainly guarantee a return to Knoxville for March Madness—an environment few opponents want to enter.
Historically, teams hosting early rounds win over 80% of their matchups. The energy from a home crowd, the comfort of familiar routines, and the added motivation of defending home turf all contribute to the significance of earning such a seed.
In 2024, for example, all four top-two seeds advanced to the Sweet 16, with seven of eight making the Elite Eight. For a Lady Vols team with national championship aspirations, earning that 2-seed could be the key to a deep and successful tournament run.
Maintaining a No. 7 national ranking is no small feat, especially in a power conference like the SEC, where every game feels like a rivalry. But the Lady Vols are built to contend, and the roadmap to securing a top-two seed in the tournament is clear:
The SEC is once again expected to be one of the deepest conferences in women’s basketball, with programs like LSU, South Carolina, and Ole Miss all returning stacked rosters. If Tennessee can navigate the conference gauntlet with 12–14 regular-season wins and secure at least a semifinal berth in the SEC Tournament, the selection committee will take notice.
A statement win over a top-five team—especially on the road—could be the resume booster that pushes the Lady Vols up the seed line. Conversely, avoiding bad losses will be just as critical.
The Lady Vols’ non-conference schedule is loaded with opportunity. Matchups against perennial powerhouses like Stanford, UConn, and possibly an early-season tournament against teams like Iowa or Texas will offer Tennessee the chance to prove they belong in the top tier.
Wins in these high-profile games won’t just boost the Lady Vols’ NET ranking—they’ll solidify national perception. And let’s face it: in college basketball, perception can often carry as much weight as analytics
Key to Tennessee’s rise will be the health and continued development of its core players. Senior guard Jewel Spear and junior forward Karoline Striplin are both poised to take on leadership roles. Add in breakout sophomore guard Justine Pissott, and the Lady Vols have a trio that can compete with anyone in the nation.
Freshmen like five-star recruit Ava Hunter are expected to contribute early, especially on the defensive end. If Tennessee can avoid significant injuries and keep its core intact, it has the firepower and depth to stay in the top 10 all season.
No conversation about Tennessee basketball would be complete without highlighting the homecourt advantage that is Thompson-Boling Arena. With a seating capacity of over 21,000, it’s one of the largest venues in women’s college basketball—and easily one of the loudest.
Hosting the first two rounds would mean tens of thousands of orange-clad fans cheering every basket, every defensive stop, and every timeout. For visiting teams, the noise and pressure can be overwhelming. For the Lady Vols, it’s fuel.
The team went 15–1 at home last season, including marquee wins over top-15 teams. The numbers don’t lie—Knoxville is a fortress.
Now in her sixth season as head coach, Kellie Harper has transformed the Lady Vols into a national powerhouse once again. A former Tennessee point guard and three-time national champion under Pat Summitt, Harper understands the culture better than anyone.
Her balanced offensive schemes, emphasis on defense, and unwavering commitment to player development have built a team that thrives in both structured and fast-paced settings. Under her leadership, Tennessee has made three consecutive Sweet 16 appearances and is hungry for more.
Harper has also proven adept in the transfer portal, bringing in plug-and-play veterans who fill specific needs and add experience. Her ability to blend youth with experience could be the X-factor in the upcoming season.
In Knoxville, Lady Vols basketball isn’t just a sport—it’s part of the city’s heartbeat. Local businesses thrive during tournament season, and the entire community rallies around the team. The idea of hosting the NCAA Tournament is more than logistical—it’s emotional.
Fans still remember the glory years, when March Madness games in Knoxville felt like national holidays. For longtime supporters, the chance to relive those moments—and perhaps create new ones—is priceless.
Says season ticket holder Rachel Thompson, “We’ve been waiting for this moment. To see the Lady Vols back in the top 10 and potentially hosting again? It just feels right. This town is ready.”
It’s been nearly two decades since Tennessee won its last national title in 2008. For a program with eight NCAA championships, that’s a drought. But make no mistake: the fire is still burning in Knoxville.
A 2-seed, coupled with the home-court boost, sets the table for a return to the Elite Eight—or better. More importantly, it signals to recruits that Tennessee is once again a national destination.
Women’s college basketball is as competitive as ever, with programs like South Carolina, UConn, and LSU constantly reloading. For Tennessee to rejoin that elite tier, consistent deep tournament runs are essential.
Hosting games in March isn’t just a goal—it’s a springboard.
With a projected No. 7 national ranking and a team stacked with talent, experience, and leadership, the Tennessee Lady Vols are primed for greatness. A 2-seed in the NCAA Tournament would be both a reward for their regular-season excellence and a launchpad for what they hope will be a historic postseason run.
The pieces are in place. The fans are ready. The coach is battle-tested. And Thompson-Boling Arena is waiting.
All that’s left is for the Lady Vols to take the floor and prove that this year, March Madness runs through Knoxville.
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