Tennessee fans will get a familiar face back in the building this Sunday when the No. 23 Volunteers (8-3) host Gardner-Webb (2-12) at Food City Center.
Tipoff is set for 3 p.m. EST and will stream on SEC Network+.
The matchup brings a bit of a homecoming twist, as Gardner-Webb guard D.J. Jefferson returns to Knoxville.
The 6-foot-5, 209-pound sophomore spent two seasons with the Vols from 2022 to 2024, including a redshirt year. While his time on the court for Tennessee was limited, Jefferson was very much a part of the program’s fabric-traveling, practicing, and working as a key member of the scout team.
He saw action in just one official game for the Vols, logging three points and two rebounds in Tennessee’s dominant 80-42 season-opening win over Tennessee Tech on November 6, 2023. But his contributions went beyond the box score.
Jefferson was part of Tennessee’s three-game exhibition tour in Italy in 2023, where he made one start and averaged 7.0 points per game. That tour gave fans a glimpse of his athleticism and scoring potential, even if it didn’t translate into major minutes during the season.
Now with Gardner-Webb, Jefferson is carving out more of a role. He’s appeared in nine games so far this season, averaging 6.9 points and 2.1 rebounds per contest.
It’s a fresh start for the Richardson, Texas native, who came to Tennessee as a four-star recruit out of Minnesota Preparation Academy in Long Lake, Minnesota. He was also recognized for his work off the court, earning spots on both the 2023-24 Winter SEC Honor Roll and the 2022-23 First-Year SEC Academic Honor Roll.
Sunday’s game might not jump off the schedule at first glance, but for Jefferson-and those who followed his journey in Knoxville-it’s a meaningful return. And for Tennessee, it’s another opportunity to fine-tune before SEC play heats up.