Lady Vols Rise Inside Top 10 of ESPN’s ‘Way-Too-Early’ 2026 Rankings: A Glimpse Into Tennessee’s Bright Future

KNOXVILLE, TN — April 22, 2025

As the dust settles on another exciting college basketball season, the Tennessee Lady Vols are making headlines once again — this time for their impressive rise in ESPN’s highly anticipated ‘Way-Too-Early’ 2026 Rankings. After a season filled with promise, the Lady Vols have positioned themselves as one of the most formidable teams in the nation, climbing inside the Top 10 in the early projections for the 2026 season.

For Tennessee, this ranking represents not only a recognition of their current standing but also a nod to their potential to contend for a national championship in the near future. With head coach Kellie Harper at the helm, the Lady Vols are building something special, and ESPN’s rankings reflect the belief that their success will only continue to grow in the coming years.

A Promising 2024-2025 Campaign

Before diving into the implications of this ranking, it’s important to reflect on the Lady Vols’ performance during the 2024-2025 season, which set the stage for their rise in the rankings. Although the team fell short of a national title, Tennessee demonstrated that it is back on track as one of the premier programs in college basketball.

The Lady Vols finished the season with a 26-8 record, including a strong 14-4 mark in the competitive SEC. Tennessee made it to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament, a strong finish that showcased their resilience and growth throughout the year.

One of the key players who helped lead the Lady Vols to success was Jacy Sheldon, a senior guard who displayed outstanding leadership on both ends of the floor. Sheldon’s scoring ability, combined with her defensive prowess, made her a standout for Tennessee. Her clutch performances in critical games — particularly in the SEC Tournament — were pivotal in the Lady Vols’ success and solidified her as one of the nation’s top players.

But it wasn’t just Sheldon who helped drive the Lady Vols’ success. The team benefited from an impressive ensemble cast of players, including Sophie Cunningham, Jordan Horston, and Olivia Owens, who all contributed to Tennessee’s well-rounded and effective style of play. Tennessee’s defense was tough, their offense was efficient, and the team’s chemistry was apparent. It was clear that Harper had successfully built a team that could compete with the best in the country.

“We have made incredible progress over the past few years,” Harper said after the team’s Elite Eight run. “Our goal is always to compete for championships, and while we’re proud of what we’ve accomplished this season, we’re even more excited about the future. This program is heading in the right direction, and I’m confident that we will continue to climb.”

The 2026 ‘Way-Too-Early’ Ranking: An Early Testament to Progress

ESPN’s ‘Way-Too-Early’ Rankings are a reflection of not only a program’s current roster but also its trajectory. And for the Lady Vols, their Top 10 ranking is a testament to both their on-court achievements and their future potential.

Tennessee’s rise to No. 8 in the 2026 rankings is the result of several key factors that position them as a legitimate contender for the upcoming season. These include elite recruiting, player development, and the team’s already impressive depth.

“The Lady Vols are one of the few programs in the country that are not only primed to compete next year, but they are poised to be a powerhouse in the years to come,” said Alexa Horne, ESPN’s senior basketball analyst. “Their combination of experienced upperclassmen and incoming talent makes them a dangerous team, and Kellie Harper has built a program that’s ready to make a serious title run.”

For the Lady Vols, the Top 10 ranking is not an end but a signal of their growing status in the college basketball world. As one of the most storied programs in the history of women’s college basketball, Tennessee’s rise is not only expected but deeply symbolic of the program’s resurgence.

The Foundation for Success: Key Returning Players

Tennessee’s success in the 2024-2025 season sets the stage for what promises to be a thrilling 2025-2026 campaign. Several key players will return to the Lady Vols, giving them the experience and leadership needed to compete for national championships.

Jordan Horston, who averaged over 15 points per game last season, will be a focal point for Tennessee moving forward. Her versatility on both sides of the ball — she can score, rebound, and play lockdown defense — makes her one of the most valuable players in the SEC. Horston’s ability to elevate her game in big moments will be crucial as Tennessee looks to make a deep run in March.

Another key returner is Sophie Cunningham, a dynamic forward who has steadily improved each season. Cunningham’s ability to stretch the floor and score inside makes her a matchup nightmare for opponents. Her leadership will be invaluable in ensuring that the Lady Vols remain competitive as they face stiff competition in the SEC and NCAA Tournament.

“I feel like we’re just scratching the surface of our potential,” Cunningham said during a recent interview. “We’ve got a great group of players coming back, and I know that we have the talent to make a real push for a championship.”

Olivia Owens, a sophomore center, is another player to keep an eye on. Her presence in the paint both offensively and defensively gives Tennessee a physical edge over many teams. Owens is known for her ability to control the boards and alter shots on defense, making her a critical piece of the Lady Vols’ lineup moving forward.

Beyond the returning players, Tennessee also boasts a solid group of incoming talent. Top-ranked recruit Ava Thompson, a guard who has been a star at the high school level, is expected to make an immediate impact. Thompson’s ability to score, pass, and create for her teammates will give the Lady Vols a dynamic playmaker who can contribute right away.

A Strong Recruiting Class and the Lady Vols’ Future

In addition to returning talent, Tennessee’s recruiting class for 2025 is one of the best in the nation. The Lady Vols have consistently brought in top-tier recruits, and this year’s class is no exception.

Ava Thompson, one of the top players in the nation, will be a game-changer for Tennessee. Her ability to lead on the court as a freshman will give the Lady Vols an immediate boost. With Thompson joining forces with seasoned players like Horston and Cunningham, Tennessee will have one of the most well-rounded teams in the country.

“Ava is going to be special for us,” Harper said. “She’s the type of player who can make an immediate impact, and we’re excited to see what she can do on the court. This recruiting class is a testament to the hard work that goes into building a program, and I couldn’t be more excited about the future.”

Tennessee’s 2025 class includes a mix of guards, forwards, and centers, each bringing a unique skill set to the team. With this infusion of talent, the Lady Vols will have the depth they need to compete with the top teams in the SEC and beyond.

The SEC and National Landscape: Challenging for Titles

The SEC is known for its competitiveness, and the Lady Vols will face tough challenges as they look to ascend to the top of the conference. While programs like South Carolina and LSU have dominated in recent years, Tennessee’s rise puts them in position to challenge for the top spots in the SEC standings.

Tennessee will need to prove itself on the road in conference play, where programs like South Carolina, Kentucky, and Arkansas are all expected to be formidable opponents. However, with the talent they have returning and incoming, Tennessee is poised to rise through the ranks and challenge for SEC titles and a potential Final Four berth.

On the national stage, teams like UConn, Stanford, and LSU will also be major contenders, but Tennessee has positioned itself as a serious challenger with the combination of elite returning players and top-tier recruits.

“I’ve always believed in our potential to be one of the top teams in the country,” Harper said. “We’ve got the talent, we’ve got the coaching, and now it’s about putting it all together when it matters most.”

Conclusion: A Bright Future for the Lady Vols

As Tennessee rises into the Top 10 of ESPN’s ‘Way-Too-Early’ Rankings, it’s clear that the Lady Vols are poised for greatness. With a combination of veteran leadership, fresh talent, and a strong recruiting pipeline, the Lady Vols are ready to take the next step toward competing for national titles.

The 2025-2026 season will undoubtedly be one of the most exciting in recent memory for Tennessee basketball fans, and the Lady Vols are on the brink of something special. Whether it’s their dominant defense, high-powered offense, or depth across the board, the Lady Vols are positioned to make a serious push for a national championship.

With Kellie Harper at the helm and a roster full of talented players, Tennessee’s future looks brighter than ever. The climb to the top of college basketball is underway, and the Lady Vols are ready to take their place among the sport’s elite programs.

“We’re hungry,” Harper said with determination. “We’re going to keep working, keep improving, and keep fighting until we reach the top.”