Tennessee basketball is making waves in the transfer portal once again, and this time, they've landed a true superstar. On Monday, May 4, the Volunteers secured a commitment from Wake Forest guard Juke Harris, the No. 2-ranked player in the transfer portal according to USA TODAY's rankings.
Harris brings an impressive resume to Knoxville. Last season, he averaged 21.4 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game while shooting 44.4% from the field. The All-ACC second-team selection was also named the conference's Most Improved Player, and his scoring streak is nothing short of historic—he holds the Wake Forest record for the longest streak of games with 10 or more points, stretching over 35 contests. His 730 points in the 2025-26 season rank as the second-most in program history.
Harris chose the Vols over other powerhouse programs like Michigan (which he visited) and North Carolina. A four-star recruit in the 2024 class, he was ranked No. 88 overall and the No. 15 shooting guard by 247Sports' Composite rankings. Interestingly, Harris visited Tennessee as a high school recruit before initially committing to Wake Forest, so this feels like a full-circle moment.
Harris isn't the Vols' only big addition. He joins a transfer portal haul that includes former VCU guard Terrence Hill Jr. (No. 17 in USA TODAY's rankings) and former Notre Dame forward Jalen Haralson (No. 33). Tennessee has also added Cal transfer Dai Dai Ames, who averaged 16.9 points per game last season, and Belmont sharpshooter Tyler Lundblade, who put up 15.6 points per game. With this lineup, the Vols are shaping up to be one of the most explosive offensive teams in the country next season.
Harris's ability to take over games is well-documented. He scored 30 or more points in three games last season, including a spectacular 38-point performance in a narrow 68-67 loss to Boston College in February—where he accounted for more than half of Wake Forest's total points. While two of those 30-point outings ended in losses, his scoring prowess is undeniable.
For Coach Rick Barnes, this is a roster-building masterclass. On paper, this could be his best squad yet at Tennessee, with Harris poised to be the go-to scorer the Vols have been craving. If you're a Tennessee fan, it's time to get excited—the Big Orange are cooking.