Tennessee basketball has made waves on the national scene in recent years under head coach Rick Barnes, consistently contending in the SEC and making deep NCAA Tournament runs. Now, the Volunteers are looking to bolster their future with some homegrown talent. A major step in that direction will take place this weekend as a coveted in-state four-star recruit is set to make his official visit to Knoxville.
The player in question, 6-foot-6 small forward Elijah Thompson from Murfreesboro, Tennessee, is one of the highest-rated prospects in the state’s 2025 recruiting class. Thompson, who plays for Blackman High School and has been dominating the AAU circuit with the Tennessee Travelers, is considered a top-75 player nationally and the No. 3 overall prospect in Tennessee. His combination of athleticism, shooting touch, and perimeter defense has earned him offers from several Power Five programs, but his connection to the Volunteers has remained a major storyline throughout his recruitment.
This weekend’s visit marks a pivotal moment in Tennessee’s pursuit of Thompson. It will be his first official visit since narrowing his list to five programs last month: Tennessee, Alabama, Auburn, Ohio State, and Kansas. While all five schools have hosted Thompson on unofficial visits over the past year, this weekend in Knoxville could set the tone for his final decision.
Sources close to Thompson’s camp suggest the visit will focus not just on basketball, but also on academics, NIL opportunities, player development, and the culture around the program. Tennessee has emphasized its growing NIL infrastructure and commitment to player growth both on and off the court as a central selling point to top-tier recruits like Thompson.
The Volunteers are in the unique position of being both the local favorite and a national powerhouse, creating a compelling pitch for a recruit like Thompson. There’s a certain level of pride and loyalty that comes with representing your home state school—something Rick Barnes and his staff have capitalized on in the past. Barnes has a proven track record of developing wing players into NBA-caliber talent, a fact that hasn’t gone unnoticed by Thompson or his inner circle.
The official visit itinerary includes a sit-down with Barnes and the coaching staff, a tour of the newly renovated basketball facilities, academic meetings, and a chance to bond with current players during weekend workouts and team functions. Thompson will also attend a private scrimmage on Saturday morning, giving him an inside look at the team’s chemistry, playing style, and overall intensity.
Perhaps the most impactful part of the visit will be Thompson’s interactions with current and former players. The program has made a concerted effort to involve alumni in the recruiting process, and names like Admiral Schofield, Grant Williams, and Josiah-Jordan James remain influential figures around the program. Their success stories serve as living proof of what Tennessee basketball can do for someone with elite talent and a tireless work ethic.
Thompson’s game mirrors many of those Volunteer greats. He’s known for his versatility, able to guard multiple positions while also providing scoring and rebounding from the wing. His high basketball IQ and unselfish approach have made him a leader at Blackman and a favorite among coaches and scouts alike. While he’s still polishing his offensive repertoire, the foundation is already in place for him to become a high-impact college player and, potentially, an NBA prospect.
The significance of this visit can’t be overstated. Tennessee’s 2025 recruiting class is already off to a strong start, and landing a player of Thompson’s caliber—especially from inside state lines—would send a powerful message to future recruits. It would reinforce the idea that elite talent doesn’t need to leave Tennessee to achieve national recognition or reach the next level.
For Thompson, the visit represents more than just a weekend trip. It’s a chance to envision his future in orange and white. It’s an opportunity to immerse himself in a program that is building something special and has proven it can compete with the best. For Barnes and his staff, it’s a final audition, a chance to show Thompson and his family that the Volunteers aren’t just one of many options—they’re the best fit for his aspirations on and off the court.
Recruiting battles at this level are often decided by relationships, and Tennessee has invested significant time and energy into cultivating a strong rapport with Thompson and those around him. From assistant coach Justin Gainey’s regular visits to Blackman to the personal calls from Barnes himself, the message has been clear: Thompson is a priority.
Now, with Thompson in Knoxville for the weekend, the Vols will look to solidify that bond and close the gap between interest and commitment. No announcement is expected during or immediately after the visit, but it’s widely believed that Tennessee could move into pole position in his recruitment depending on how the next 48 hours unfold.
For fans, the excitement is palpable. Local recruiting wins energize a fanbase in a unique way, and Thompson’s potential commitment would represent not just a major talent addition, but a homegrown success story in the making. As the Volunteers look to the future, adding someone who grew up watching them from a short drive away feels fitting for a program built on culture, connection, and commitment.
All eyes will be on Knoxville this weekend—not just from those within the program, but from across the national recruiting landscape. Whether this visit ends up being the turning point in Elijah Thompson’s decision or simply another chapter in a high-profile recruitment, one thing is certain: Tennessee has a golden opportunity to land a difference-maker. Now, it’s time to make the most of it.
