University of Tennessee athletics update: football recruiting and basketball preseason

The University of Tennessee's athletic programs are active in both football recruiting and basketball preseason preparations.

In football, 2028 tight end prospect Lucas Cornwell recently visited Knoxville to witness the Volunteers' 24-14 victory over Auburn at Neyland Stadium. Cornwell, a student at Smith County High School, noted the impressive atmosphere and the personal engagement of head coach Josh Heupel. Discussions regarding his recruitment and potential transition to the tackle position are ongoing.

In men's basketball, the Volunteers are traveling to Birmingham for SEC Tipoff '27. Head coach Rick Barnes, who enters his 12th season with 861 career victories, will lead a roster featuring 13 new players. Key players include sophomore forward DeWayne Brown II, junior guard Terrence Hill Jr., and sixth-year guard Tyler Lundblade. The team seeks to build on last season's performance, which included a 25-12 record and an Elite Eight appearance.