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Tennessee Basketball Returns to Top Five in Latest USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — April 13, 2025 — For the first time since midseason, the Tennessee Volunteers have clawed their way back into the top five of the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll, reasserting themselves as a dominant force on the national stage. After a stretch marked by grit, growth, and clutch performances, the Vols now sit at No. 5 in the latest rankings, signaling a major statement as the postseason approaches.
The climb is more than a number—it’s a reflection of head coach Rick Barnes’ ability to steer a resilient squad through the ups and downs of a rigorous SEC schedule. Now, with momentum on their side and the eyes of the college basketball world squarely focused on Knoxville, Tennessee looks every bit like a team that could make a deep run in March.
A Season of Growth and Grit
When the Volunteers began the 2024-25 season ranked No. 6 in the preseason poll, expectations were sky-high. With a mix of seasoned veterans, dynamic transfers, and blue-chip freshmen, Barnes had assembled a roster built for balance and depth. But a rocky start in SEC play saw the team briefly fall outside the top 10, raising questions about whether the pieces could truly come together.
Fast forward to today, and those doubts have been emphatically silenced.
Tennessee has won seven of its last eight games, including marquee victories over ranked foes such as No. 7 Kentucky and No. 12 Alabama. The win over Kentucky, a 78-71 thriller at Thompson-Boling Arena, was a turning point. Led by the poise of senior point guard Zakai Zeigler and the emergence of sophomore forward J.P. Estrella, the Vols executed late-game sets with precision and displayed a toughness that had been missing earlier in the season.
“That win showed what we’re made of,” Zeigler said. “We’ve been through the fire, but we’re stronger because of it.”
Since that pivotal night, Tennessee has continued to rise, playing its best basketball at just the right time.
Defensive Identity
What has set the Volunteers apart this season—particularly in their return to the top five—has been their defense. Barnes-coached teams have always prided themselves on toughness and tenacity on the defensive end, and this year is no exception.
Tennessee currently ranks third in the nation in adjusted defensive efficiency according to KenPom.com, trailing only Houston and UConn. Their ability to switch seamlessly on the perimeter, protect the rim, and close out on shooters has frustrated opponents all season long.
Junior guard Jahmai Mashack has emerged as one of the SEC’s top perimeter defenders. His length and lateral quickness allow him to guard multiple positions, while his ability to turn defense into offense has sparked several runs during key moments.
“We take pride in getting stops,” Mashack said. “That’s Tennessee basketball. Defense travels, and we believe it gives us a chance to win every night.”
Their defense was on full display in last week’s 66-59 road win over Arkansas, where the Vols held the Razorbacks to just 36% shooting and forced 17 turnovers. It was a textbook Barnes victory—gritty, methodical, and built on the back of suffocating defense.
Balanced Scoring Attack
While Tennessee’s defense sets the tone, their offense has become increasingly potent. Unlike some teams that rely heavily on one or two scorers, the Vols have embraced a balanced approach.
Estrella has taken a major leap in his second year, averaging 13.4 points and 7.2 rebounds per game. His inside-out game has made him a matchup nightmare, particularly as his confidence has grown throughout conference play.
“J.P. has become the player we always believed he could be,” Barnes said. “He’s worked tirelessly, and his leadership by example is invaluable.”
Meanwhile, Zeigler’s floor leadership has kept the offense flowing. After returning from injury last season, the senior has averaged 10.8 points and 6.3 assists per game, orchestrating the attack with vision and pace. His chemistry with Estrella and freshman wing Josiah Grantham has become the heartbeat of the team’s offensive rhythm.
Grantham, a five-star recruit out of Georgia, has also come into his own in recent weeks. His athleticism and shot-making ability have added a new dimension to the offense, giving Tennessee another weapon in both transition and half-court sets.
“We’re not a one-man show,” Grantham said. “We’ve got guys who can beat you in a lot of ways. That makes us dangerous.”
Climbing Back Into the National Spotlight
The Volunteers’ return to the top five is about more than just a ranking—it represents validation for a program that’s steadily built itself into one of college basketball’s most consistent contenders. Under Barnes, Tennessee has now reached the top five in the Coaches Poll four times in the last six seasons.
Despite past postseason disappointments—including a Sweet 16 exit last year—there’s a renewed sense of belief in this group. The Vols are deeper, more experienced, and battle-tested in a way that feels different than previous iterations.
“Toughness. Togetherness. That’s what this team has,” Barnes said. “They’ve embraced the challenge of every game, every practice. They’ve earned this ranking.”
Tennessee’s home court advantage has also played a key role. The atmosphere at Thompson-Boling Arena has been electric, with sellout crowds energizing the team and creating a genuine fear factor for visiting opponents. The Vols have lost just once at home all season, a testament to the connection between the program and its passionate fanbase.
Looking Ahead
With just two regular-season games remaining—against Ole Miss and No. 11 LSU—Tennessee has a real opportunity to secure the top seed in the SEC Tournament. More importantly, they’re positioning themselves for a potential No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, a milestone the program has only achieved once before (2019).
But Barnes isn’t looking ahead.
“We haven’t accomplished anything yet,” he said. “The rankings are nice, but the goal is to keep getting better every day. March is what matters.”
Still, it’s impossible to ignore the buzz building around this team. National analysts have begun to take notice, with ESPN’s Jay Bilas calling Tennessee “the most complete team in the country right now.” CBS Sports’ Gary Parrish echoed the sentiment, noting that the Vols’ combination of defense, depth, and veteran leadership makes them a “legit Final Four threat.”
The challenge now is sustaining that momentum.
SEC foes will be eager to knock off the top-ranked Vols, and the intensity only ramps up in the postseason. But if Tennessee’s recent play is any indication, this is a team peaking at just the right time.
Player Development and Culture
A big reason for Tennessee’s success has been the development of talent within the program. Estrella and Mashack are shining examples of what happens when young players buy into the system and trust the coaching staff.
Barnes’ player-first philosophy has created a culture of accountability and selflessness. Veterans mentor the younger players, and egos are checked at the door. It’s a culture built on hard work, and it’s paying dividends.
“You come to Tennessee, you’re going to get better,” Zeigler said. “They develop winners here—not just basketball players.”
The return of assistant coach Rod Clark after missing time earlier in the season has also helped the Vols refine their offense and reestablish rhythm. Clark’s presence on the bench, combined with the steady hand of Barnes, has provided the program with a strong leadership core.
Final Thoughts
The Volunteers’ climb back into the top five of the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll is a testament to their resilience, identity, and unrelenting pursuit of excellence. They’ve weathered adversity, developed talent, and proven they belong among the nation’s elite.
As the SEC Tournament and March Madness loom, the Vols will carry with them not only a top-five ranking but also the confidence and cohesion of a team ready to chase history.
From Zeigler’s leadership to Estrella’s emergence, and Barnes’ steady hand on the sideline, Tennessee basketball is not just back in the top five—they’re back in the national title conversation.
And this time, they might just finish what they’ve started.
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