Tennessee Adds Juke Harris, Bolstering Transfer Portal Class for Potential Final Four Run

The Tennessee Volunteers have solidified their status as one of the biggest winners of the 2024-25 transfer portal cycle in men’s college basketball. Under the leadership of head coach Rick Barnes, the Vols had already assembled a strong six-man class featuring former VCU guard Terrence Hill Jr., ex-Notre Dame forward Jalen Haralson, and ex-Loyola-Chicago center Miles Rubin.

On Monday, Tennessee secured its most impactful transfer portal commitment to date—a move that could propel the program to its first Final Four in school history. Juke Harris, a 6’7” wing guard from Wake Forest, committed to Tennessee, completing what is now arguably the nation’s best transfer portal haul.

Harris had been testing the NBA Draft process, projected as a borderline first-round pick. However, he has opted to withdraw from the draft and will play for the Vols next season. His arrival addresses a critical need for Tennessee’s offense, which has reached the Elite Eight in each of the past three seasons but has yet to advance further.

Harris made a dramatic sophomore leap at Wake Forest, improving from 6.1 points per game to 21.4 points per game in a featured role. The 6’7” wing demonstrated elite scoring versatility, excelling as a three-level scorer with a deadly mid-range game, self-created pull-ups, and movement shooting off screens. His efficiency was particularly impressive: he converted 47.8% of his mid-range attempts, with over 90% of those shots being unassisted, showcasing his elite shot-making and creation ability.

His offensive production has placed him in contention for SEC Player of the Year honors if he remains in college. For Tennessee, which ranked No. 31 nationally in offense last season, Harris represents a transformative addition. The Vols ranked No. 14 in defense in 2023-24 after five consecutive top-five finishes under Barnes, who is approaching his 72nd birthday and has led the program to three straight regional finals.

Tennessee has never reached the Final Four in men’s basketball. With Harris joining a roster that also includes point guard Dai Dai Ames (from Cal), shooter Tyler Lundblade (from Belmont), and forward Braeden Lue (from Kennesaw State), the Vols are poised for a breakthrough. Harris and Hill are expected to form one of the nation’s most potent scoring duos, while Haralson, a former top-25 recruit, could benefit from a sophomore surge.

"Tennessee has never been to the Final Four in men’s basketball, and it’s going all-out to give Barnes a chance to do it before retirement."

The Vols’ transfer haul, now headlined by Harris, positions them as legitimate contenders for a deep NCAA Tournament run in 2025-26. With an improved offensive arsenal and Barnes’ defensive system in place, Tennessee is primed to take the next step in its pursuit of program history.