Tennessee basketball’s 2026 recruiting class is starting to take shape, and while it may not be topping the national charts just yet, there’s plenty to like about what Rick Barnes and his staff have assembled. With all three commitments signed and locked in, the Vols are building a foundation that blends size, skill, and upside - and the latest rankings updates from Rivals show where each of these players stands as the high school season heats up.
Ralph Scott: The Headliner
Let’s start with the biggest name in the class so far - literally and figuratively. Ralph Scott, a 6-foot-8 wing out of IMG Academy, is the crown jewel of Tennessee’s 2026 haul.
A four-star prospect across the board, Scott checks in at No. 63 nationally on Rivals, and hovers in the low 50s on both 247 and ESPN. He’s also ranked among the top 25 players at his position and top 10 in his state by all three services.
Originally from Pagent Parish, Bermuda, Scott brings a unique international flair to the class, but it’s his game that really stands out. He’s long, skilled, and still developing - the kind of high-upside wing that can thrive in the SEC.
Rick Barnes praised Scott’s feel for the game and his shooting mechanics, calling him “a legit 6-foot-8 wing with long arms” who’s already competing at a high level against national competition. That’s a big deal.
Playing for IMG means Scott’s not just dominating local talent - he’s being tested every night, and that experience should translate well to the next level.
Manny Green: A Physical Scorer with Upside
Next up is Manny Green, a 6-foot-6 shooting guard from Cedar Grove High School in Georgia. Green is a bit of a mixed bag in the rankings - a three-star on Rivals, but a four-star on both 247 and ESPN, where he lands at No. 97 nationally. The services differ on his positional ranking, but the consensus is clear: Green is a top-100 talent with room to grow.
What stands out about Green is his physicality and mentality. Barnes described him as a player with “a clear love for the game” and a natural toughness - traits that fit right into Tennessee’s culture.
He’s got a strong frame, and while he’s already showing growth as a scorer, there’s still more to unlock in his game. Barnes also noted Green’s playmaking potential and improving shot, which makes him more than just a slasher or catch-and-shoot guy.
He’s coming from a winning program and an athletic background, both of which bode well for his transition to the college level.
Marquis Clark: The Underrated Floor General
Rounding out the trio is Marquis Clark, a 6-foot-2 point guard from Chicago powerhouse Whitney Young. Clark is a three-star across the board, and while he doesn’t carry the same national ranking as Scott or Green, don’t let that fool you - this kid can play.
Clark is the kind of point guard who makes things happen. He’s described as cerebral, crafty, and competitive - a gym rat with a chip on his shoulder.
That’s the type of player who thrives under Rick Barnes. He’s been well-coached at both the high school and AAU levels, and he’s battle-tested from playing in one of the toughest basketball environments in the country.
Barnes highlighted Clark’s creativity and improved jumper, and it’s clear the staff sees him as a playmaker who can run the show in Knoxville.
Where the Class Stands
As it stands, Tennessee’s 2026 class ranks No. 39 nationally and ninth in the SEC. That puts the Vols behind Arkansas, Missouri, Texas A&M, Texas, Alabama, Mississippi State, Vanderbilt, and LSU - but ahead of Oklahoma, Ole Miss, South Carolina, Florida, and Auburn. Kentucky and Georgia, interestingly, haven’t landed a commitment yet.
It’s worth noting that recruiting rankings are fluid, especially this early in the cycle. Players rise, players fall, and classes can change dramatically with one big commitment. But what Tennessee has already is a solid core - a high-upside wing, a physical two-guard, and a savvy point guard - all with the kind of traits that fit the Vols’ system.
This isn’t a flashy class, but it’s one that could age very well. And if Barnes and his staff have proven anything over the years, it’s that they know how to identify talent that fits - and how to develop it once it gets to campus.