After winning in SE, the Tennessee Vols perfectly teased the Texas Longhorns.
On March 14, 2025, the Tennessee Volunteers secured an 83–72 triumph over the Texas Longhorns in the SEC Tournament quarterfinals. Chaz Lanier ignited the Vols early, scoring 17 of their first 21 points, while Zakai Zeigler took over in the second half, finishing with 19 points. This performance not only propelled Tennessee to the semifinals but also marked Coach Rick Barnes’ 832nd career win, moving him into sole possession of 10th place on the all-time coaching wins list .(Burnt Orange Nation, Dallas News)
As the Longhorns exited the court, the Thompson-Boling Arena PA system played George Strait’s classic “All My Exes Live in Texas.” This choice was a pointed reminder of Barnes’ 17-year tenure at Texas before joining Tennessee in 2015. The Vols’ social media team further fueled the fire by featuring the song in a post-game Instagram video graphic .(AtoZ Sports)
In a subtle yet sharp move, Tennessee’s social media team posted a graphic of Coach Barnes with the caption “this man hangs his hat in Tennessee.” This was a direct reference to Barnes’ previous role at Texas, underscoring the Vols’ pride in their current leadership .(AtoZ Sports)
Not to be outdone, the Vols’ players gathered for a group photo post-game, prominently displaying the “Horns Down” gesture. This symbol, often used by fans and players to show rivalry spirit, added an extra layer of playful antagonism to Tennessee’s celebration .(AtoZ Sports)
Tennessee’s athletic department has been on a remarkable run, with the basketball team’s victory over Texas adding to a series of impressive performances across various sports. The Vols’ ability to combine on-court success with off-court flair has captured the attention of fans and analysts, solidifying their status as a rising powerhouse in college athletics.
The Vols’ recent win over the Longhorns and their subsequent playful trolling have reignited one of college sports’ most storied rivalries. As both programs continue to excel, fans can look forward to more thrilling matchups and, undoubtedly, more memorable moments both on and off the field.
