In Knoxville, Tennessee, the buzz around the University of Tennessee men's basketball team is all about forward Nate Ament. This standout freshman has just been named the SEC Freshman of the Week for the sixth time in the 2025-26 season. The announcement came from the league office on Monday, marking yet another accolade in Ament's impressive debut season.
Ament has previously claimed this honor on November 10, November 17, December 1, February 2, and February 9. He also snagged the SEC Player of the Week title on January 26, bringing his total SEC recognitions this season to seven-a testament to his impact on the court.
Last week, Ament showcased his skills by averaging 21.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game, leading Tennessee to two victories. He was sharp from beyond the arc, shooting 40.0 percent (4-of-10), and was flawless from the free-throw line, sinking all 14 attempts.
In Tuesday's game against Oklahoma, Ament matched his career-high with 29 points, contributing to an 89-66 win at Food City Center. His performance was a masterclass in efficiency-9-of-17 from the field, 3-of-7 from three-point range, and a perfect 8-of-8 on free throws. He also added six rebounds, three assists, a steal, and a block to his stat line.
Saturday saw Ament stepping up again with 13 points and a team-high nine rebounds in a tight 69-65 victory on the road against No. 19/18 Vanderbilt. His clutch turnaround jumper with 54 seconds left sealed the win, underscoring his knack for delivering in critical moments.
This recognition marks the 28th time a Tennessee player has earned the SEC Freshman of the Week award since it was reinstated in the 2005-06 season. Under Coach Rick Barnes, the Volunteers have claimed this honor 16 times in his 11-year tenure.
Ament's six Freshman of the Week awards place him in elite company, joining the ranks of Arkansas' Darius Acuff Jr. (who has seven this season), Alabama's Brandon Miller (2022-23), Auburn's Jabari Smith (2021-22), Florida's Bradley Beal (2011-12), and Kentucky's Brandon Knight (2010-11).
Both Ament and Acuff have also secured an SEC Player of the Week nod this season, making them the first freshmen in league history to achieve seven or more weekly honors in a single season.
Ament's achievements double the previous Tennessee record for Freshman of the Week honors, surpassing Tobias Harris (2010-11) and Ramar Smith (2006-07), who each had three.
As the season progresses, Ament and No. 22 Tennessee (20-7, 10-4 SEC) are gearing up for their next challenge against Missouri on Tuesday at 9 p.m.
ET. The game will be broadcast live on the SEC Network from Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Missouri.
For the latest updates on the University of Tennessee men's basketball team, fans can follow @Vol_Hoops on Instagram and X/Twitter, and /tennesseebasketball on Facebook.