New Faces and Familiar Leaders: Key Contributors Set to Shape Lady Vols’ 2025-26 Roster Amid Senior Departures
As the Tennessee Lady Vols prepare for the 2025-26 women’s basketball season, the program finds itself in a transitional yet promising phase. The departure of several key seniors—who provided leadership, scoring, and defensive intensity—has created both challenges and opportunities. But with a strong blend of returning talent and dynamic newcomers, the Lady Vols are poised to remain a force on the national stage.
Among the most notable returners is rising senior Jordan Wells, a versatile wing who emerged as a leader last season. Known for her athleticism, rebounding, and defensive tenacity, Wells will be expected to anchor the team both on and off the court. Her growth as a playmaker and scorer late in the 2024-25 season showed she’s ready to step into an even larger role.
Alongside Wells, guard Kennedy Rivers returns with sharpshooting ability and the confidence that comes with postseason experience. Rivers hit crucial shots in big games last season and brings a steadying presence in the backcourt. With the offense needing new focal points, her perimeter game and leadership will be central to Tennessee’s success.
Complementing these returners is a highly anticipated group of incoming players who are expected to make an immediate impact. Chief among them is McDonald’s All-American point guard Alyssa Grant, one of the top recruits in the nation. Grant brings elite speed, court vision, and a scorer’s mentality that will give the Lady Vols a dynamic new look at the point. Her ability to break down defenses and create opportunities will be essential in retooling the offense.
Joining Grant is forward Brielle Thompson, a 6’3” freshman from Texas known for her inside-out versatility. With the graduation of veteran post players, Thompson is expected to fill a major void in the paint. Her rebounding, shot-blocking, and ability to stretch the floor with mid-range shooting will give Coach Kellie Harper a valuable weapon in the frontcourt.
Tennessee also adds junior transfer Camryn Price, a physical guard from a Power Five program who brings toughness and experience. Price averaged double digits last season and is known for her defense and ability to get to the free throw line. She’s expected to add maturity and depth to a rotation that will need both.
Coach Harper has emphasized the importance of chemistry and adaptability heading into the new season. “We’re losing some big-time contributors, no question,” Harper said. “But we’re gaining new energy and players who are hungry to prove themselves. I love the way this group is coming together.”
This new roster configuration also allows for increased roles for players like sophomore forward Kayla Benton and junior guard Mikayla James, who saw limited minutes last year but have shown strong development in off-season workouts.
The blend of returning leadership, impactful freshmen, and experienced transfers gives Tennessee flexibility, depth, and upside. The challenge will be how quickly the pieces gel—but the talent is there.
As the 2025-26 season approaches, expectations remain high in Knoxville. With the right mix of development and cohesion, this next wave of Lady Vols has the tools to uphold the program’s proud tradition and push for another deep postseason run.