Vanderbilt’s Jaylen Carey Transfers to Tennessee, Boosting Vols’ Frontcourt

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Jaylen Carey, a transfer power forward from Vanderbilt University, committed to Tennessee basketball on Sunday, becoming the Vols’ second addition from the NCAA transfer portal this offseason.

Carey, who played a pivotal role in Vanderbilt’s frontcourt during the Commodores’ 2024-25 season, averaged 8.0 points and 5.7 rebounds per game, aiding his team’s return to the NCAA Tournament under first-year head coach Mark Byington. The 6-foot-8 Florida native showcased particular growth in SEC play, where he improved his averages to 9.5 points and 6.2 rebounds.

Ranking as a four-star recruit and the No. 71 player in the transfer portal, Carey primarily played center at Vanderbilt but is expected to take on a power forward role at Tennessee. Vols head coach Rick Barnes has been focusing on recruiting stretch forwards capable of shooting well from the perimeter, an area where Carey has shown limitations, making only nine three-pointers last season at a 23% shooting rate.

Despite his perimeter shooting struggles, Carey’s strengths lie in his inside scoring and robust rebounding capabilities. He recorded a top 100 mark nationally with a 12.5 offensive rebound rate and ranked in the top 250 with a 20.8 defensive rebound rate.

Throughout the season, Carey excelled in games against Tennessee, notably scoring 14 points and grabbing 10 rebounds in a win in Nashville and contributing 17 points with seven rebounds in a subsequent loss in Knoxville. Carey, now a rising junior, retains at least two years of eligibility, which could extend to three if the NCAA grants an additional year to all players.

This latest commitment follows Maryland point guard Ja'Kobi Gillespie, who also recently joined the Vols from the transfer portal. Tennessee will now return key frontcourt players including Felix Okpara, Cade Phillips, and JP Estrella, enhancing their depth in the coming season.

The Vols currently have four scholarships available for the next season, with the possibility of additional scholarships pending the outcome of next week’s house settlement, which may expand their men’s basketball scholarship limit to 15.

Carey began his college basketball journey at James Madison before transferring to Vanderbilt, where he made significant contributions. His announcement underscores Tennessee’s aggressive approach in the transfer portal this offseason.

Other notable names linked to Tennessee through the portal include Division II Lincoln Memorial wing and Robert Morris forward, signaling continued interest in bolstering their roster for next season.

Tennessee’s basketball program continues to reshape its roster after a strong season that saw them reach the Elite Eight, with the coaching staff actively recruiting to build on their recent success.