Tennessee’s pursuit of the nation’s top 2027 recruit is getting a major spotlight this fall.
Five-star point guard Kaleena Smith announced 11 official visits on Monday, and Tennessee made the cut. Her trip to Knoxville is set for September 25, the same weekend the Volunteers host Texas in football, according to a report from Dushawn London.
Smith’s list is loaded. In addition to Tennessee, she’ll visit Washington, Baylor, Oklahoma, Georgia, Arizona State, Miami, USC, UCLA, UConn and Texas A&M. Washington is first on the schedule, with that visit slated for July 31.
The Lady Vols remain very much in the hunt for the No. 1 overall player in the 2027 class. Smith is ranked No. 1 on 247, where she is listed as a 5-foot-6 point guard. She is from Ontario, Canada, and plays for Ontario Christian.
There may be a built-in connection working in Tennessee’s favor, too. Smith is signed as an adidas athlete, and Tennessee just made its switch to the brand this month. That also ties her to Lady Vols legend Candace Parker.
For Kim Caldwell and her staff, landing Smith would be a huge win. Tennessee has already pulled in five-stars Mia Pauldo, Jaida Civil and Deniya Prawl, though all three transferred after their freshman seasons. Oliviyah Edwards was also committed in the previous cycle before being released from her signing and ending up at South Carolina.
Smith’s game has already drawn strong praise from the scouting side. In November, 247 women’s basketball scouting director Brandon Clay wrote, “… Her ability to pick her spots to score or distribute does not go unnoticed by her teammates,” Clay wrote.
“Smith does a good job of keeping them involved throughout the course of the game. That’s not the easiest task for a Point Guard who scores the basketball the way that Smith does.
She has legitimate shooting range out past the 25-foot mark.”
Tennessee does not currently have a commitment in the 2027 class.
In Other News...
Tennessee Fans May Finally Get The Jersey Upgrade They Wanted
Tennessee fans have been waiting for a jersey refresh, and the wait appears to be nearly over. The Vols are set to unveil new Adidas jerseys with an online and in-store merchandise drop scheduled for Friday, giving supporters their first real look at what the switch will bring after years of Nike gear.
There is still plenty of curiosity around the details, but early reviews of Adidas college jerseys have pointed to a noticeable step up in feel and finish compared with what fans were used to before. If Tennessees version follows that same path, the upgrade could mean a lighter, more breathable jersey that looks and feels closer to the premium product fans have been asking for, even if the final price tag ends up testing their enthusiasm. [Read more 🡒]
Tennessee May Have Found Its Edge For A Five-Star RB
Tennessees push for five-star running back David Gabriel Georges has taken on a more personal feel as the Vols keep working to make their case before his July 22 commitment date. The interest is real on both sides, and Tennessee has clearly built enough of a relationship with Georges that he has been digging deeper into how the program develops backs, including asking for the teams workout training plan.
The competition is still stiff, with Ohio State in the mix, and Tennessee is trying to separate itself in the final stretch by showing Georges what life in Knoxville could look like beyond the recruiting pitch. Even if he leans the Vols way, this one would not be completely settled until the paperwork is signed in December, which leaves Tennessee plenty of reason to keep pressing until the last possible moment. [Read more 🡒]
Former Vol Nate Ament Hits An Unexpected Rookie Year Snag
Former Tennessee standout Nate Ament has already had a busy start to his pro career, and now he has settled on the number he will wear in Milwaukee. The Bucks announced he will take No. 15 after being selected 13th overall in the 2026 NBA Draft, giving the former Vol a clear first marker as he begins the next stage of his career.
Aments rookie year has also hit an early wrinkle, though, as his path to the floor is not as straightforward as a typical draft picks. Milwaukee still has some sorting to do around his status before he can fully settle into the teams summer plans, and once that is resolved he should be eligible to join the Summer League roster, where his promising play from last season will be back in focus. [Read more 🡒]