Four-star wing Chris Washington Jr. was slated to be in Knoxville this weekend for Tennessee’s high-profile SEC showdown against Auburn. But plans have shifted. According to multiple sources, Washington is postponing his official visit after a scheduling conflict popped up - one of his high school games was delayed and rescheduled for Saturday.
For now, there’s no new date on the calendar for his Tennessee visit, but the Vols are very much in the mix for the in-state standout.
Washington is one of the most coveted players in the 2026 class. Ranked No. 41 nationally in the 247Sports Composite, he’s also the No. 16 small forward and the top-ranked player in Tennessee. At 6-foot-9 and 195 pounds, he brings a rare blend of size, length, and versatility to the wing - the kind of frame and skillset that can thrive in today’s up-tempo, positionless game.
A Murfreesboro native starring at Providence Christian Academy, Washington’s recruitment has already seen some twists. He originally committed to Alabama after including Tennessee in his top seven over the summer, but reopened his recruitment in the fall after decommitting from the Crimson Tide.
Tennessee, meanwhile, has already done some heavy lifting in the 2026 cycle. During the early signing period, the Vols locked in three commitments: four-star wing Ralph Scott, four-star forward Manny Green, and three-star point guard Marquis Clark. That group gives Tennessee a solid foundation of young talent, particularly on the wing.
Still, the Vols are navigating a bit of uncertainty when it comes to roster construction. With four seniors set to depart after this season, and the ever-present variables of the NBA Draft and transfer portal, it’s tough to pin down exactly how many scholarships Rick Barnes and his staff will be working with this offseason.
What we do know: Tennessee will likely be aggressive in the portal again, especially at point guard. Ja’Kobi Gillespie is moving on after this season, and while the Vols could return Bishop Boswell, Amari Evans, and Clarence Massamba, there’s still a need for a steady hand at the one - someone who can run the offense and defend at a high level in SEC play.
On the wing, Tennessee’s already in a stronger spot. With Scott and Green coming in and a potential logjam of returners, adding another prep wing like Washington isn’t a pressing need - but when a player of his caliber is in your backyard, you keep the door open.
As for the Vols on the court, they’re riding into Saturday night’s matchup at Auburn with momentum after back-to-back road wins over Alabama and Georgia. That’s no small feat in this league. Auburn, led by Stephen Pearl in his first year at the helm, has been on a tear themselves, rattling off four straight wins and playing some of their best basketball of the season.
Tipoff is set for 8:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, with ESPN carrying the broadcast. It’s a marquee matchup with SEC implications - and while Chris Washington Jr. won’t be in the building, his recruitment remains one to watch closely in the months ahead.