Lady Vols Basketball: Three Key Storylines as SEC Play Approaches
While most of the country is wrapping gifts and enjoying a holiday breather, the Tennessee Lady Vols are gearing up for the grind ahead. With SEC play tipping off on New Year’s Day against Florida, the next chapter of the season is about to begin-and it’s a big one.
At 8-3, Tennessee has had its share of ups and downs through the non-conference slate. They’ve faced a brutal schedule and taken some lumps, slipping toward the back end of the AP Top 25. But with the conference schedule still in its early stages, everything they’re chasing-momentum, statement wins, and postseason positioning-is still very much within reach.
Here’s a look at three key storylines that could define the Lady Vols’ season as they enter SEC play.
1. Hunting Another Signature Win Against the Nation’s Elite
If there’s one thing Tennessee doesn’t shy away from, it’s a challenge. The Lady Vols have already faced-or are set to face-each of the current top five teams in the AP Poll.
That’s not just a tough schedule. That’s a gauntlet.
And while last year’s near-misses were frustrating, Tennessee did break through in a big way with a win over UConn at home-a victory that aged beautifully when the Huskies went on to win the national title. This year, they’ll get another shot at Geno Auriemma’s squad, this time on the road on February 1.
But that’s not the only marquee matchup on the horizon. Texas comes to Knoxville on February 15, and sandwiched between those two showdowns is a trip to Columbia to face national powerhouse South Carolina on February 8.
If Tennessee can steal one-or more-of those games, it would do more than just boost their tournament résumé. It would serve as a major momentum swing for a team still finding its identity under Kim Caldwell. These are the kinds of wins that can galvanize a locker room and shift the narrative of a season.
2. Talaysia Cooper’s Next Step: All-American Consistency
There’s no doubt about it-Talaysia Cooper has the tools to be one of the top players in the country. She’s already flashed that potential in a big way, most notably in Tennessee’s win at Stanford.
That night, she was everywhere-dropping 19 points, dishing six assists, grabbing two boards, and racking up a staggering 10 steals. It was the kind of performance that turns heads nationally.
But the challenge now is consistency. In recent outings against Louisville and Southern Indiana, Cooper’s impact wasn’t quite as pronounced. She’s had moments where she fades into the background, and for Tennessee to reach its ceiling, they need her front and center.
Head coach Kim Caldwell isn’t sounding any alarms just yet. After the Southern Indiana game, she made it clear that Cooper’s performance is more about mindset than ability.
“I think we have time to fix it if her headspace is in the right,” Caldwell said. “She comes determined to fix it, she’ll fix it.”
If Cooper can lock in and bring that Stanford-level energy on a nightly basis, Tennessee becomes a different team-one with a bona fide star who can swing games in their favor.
3. Looking Ahead: Oliviyah Edwards Could Be a Program-Changer
While she won’t suit up this season, Oliviyah Edwards is already making noise in Knoxville. The five-star recruit, ranked No. 2 in the 2026 class by ESPN, is the kind of talent that doesn’t come around often. She’s already dunking, already drawing comparisons to elite-level prospects, and already carrying the weight of sky-high expectations.
And for good reason.
Caldwell didn’t hold back when talking about what Edwards brings to the table.
“Oliviyah will come in and make an impact on both ends of the court,” Caldwell said. “Her versatility and play-making ability will set her apart. She is a high character person, and we couldn’t be happier for her to join our program.”
The Lady Vols have a proud history of elite players wearing orange and white, and Edwards has the potential to add her name to that legacy. If she lives up to the hype, Tennessee could be looking at a cornerstone player for years to come-someone who can elevate the program back to national title contention.
The Road Ahead
The Lady Vols are entering a critical stretch. The SEC is always a grind, and this year is no exception.
But the pieces are there. With one or two statement wins, a consistent star turn from Talaysia Cooper, and the future promise of Oliviyah Edwards, Tennessee has a path forward.
It’s not going to be easy-but then again, it never is in Knoxville. And that’s exactly how they like it.