
Top Small Forwards for the 2026‑27 College Basketball Season
A look at the ten small forwards projected to dominate the 2026‑27 college season, from lottery‑bound talents to breakout shooters eyeing NBA drafts.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Juke Harris across Basketball, Football, Baseball.

A look at the ten small forwards projected to dominate the 2026‑27 college season, from lottery‑bound talents to breakout shooters eyeing NBA drafts.

The addition of Vanderbilt’s Jalen Washington, confirmed starters Terrence Hill Jr and Juke Harris, and health questions surrounding Tyler Lundblade create a pivotal conversation about the Volunteers’ starting five.

PJ Haggerty and Juke Harris, who topped the 2025‑26 NCAA scoring charts, are poised to shape the conversation around the 2027 NBA Draft as they prepare for a pivotal junior season.

The upcoming season promises a wide‑open battle for the nation’s most coveted individual honor, with established stars and fresh talent vying for the spotlight.

The Volunteers welcome nine new transfer portal athletes, including high‑scoring guard Juke Harris and versatile forward Jalen Washington. Early predictions highlight Harris atop the scoring chart, while clutch guard Dai Dai Ames and breakout DeWayne Brown add depth. With strong defensive talent and a favorable early schedule, Tennessee is positioned for a deep SEC run.

The Vols will open with a home matchup against Xavier on Oct. 15, travel to face Duke two days later, and later test themselves against a top‑10 Michigan State team before heading to the Players Era Festival in Las Vegas. A demanding road trip to Purdue in December caps a non‑conference slate that also includes contests with Florida State, NC State and a host of transfers aimed at reshaping the roster.

The Volunteers will open their preseason with a home game against Xavier on October 15, followed by a contest against Duke on October 20, as they fine‑tune a roster featuring several high‑profile transfers before their regular‑season debut against Wofford on November 3.
Tennessee Volunteers secure Jalen Washington via the transfer portal, adding frontcourt depth and experience after a challenging Elite Eight loss.

Juke Harris chose Tennessee over several power programs, highlighting defensive progress, team chemistry and the Volunteers’ fast‑paced approach under head coach Rick Barnes.

Jalen Washington’s commitment adds size and experience to Tennessee’s 2026‑27 basketball squad, part of a sweeping transfer‑portal strategy that includes nine incoming players and four fresh recruiting signees.

The Volunteers wrapped up summer practices, showcasing new guard talent, emerging frontcourt pieces, and vocal leadership from returning stalwarts.

On Oct. 20, the Volunteers will travel to Durham to meet the Blue Devils in a preseason exhibition that promises another tight contest, while both teams navigate ambitious road tests and major roster changes.
An October 20, 2026 game will pit the Volunteers against the Blue Devils in a home‑and‑home series, showcasing fresh recruiting moves and the impact of recent rule changes on college basketball scheduling.

Tennessee's recent reliance on transfer players has set the stage for Juke Harris to become the focal point of a revamped offense, with the program ranked among the nation's top ten contenders.

The Volunteers held an open practice at Pratt Pavilion, featuring standout performances from Dai Dai Ames, Terrence Hill Jr., and transfer Jalen Haralson, while new coach Earl Grant set an energetic tone.
After a historic NCAA Tournament performance and a decorated A‑10 career, guard Terrence Hill Jr. has pledged to Tennessee, where he will vie for a starting role and help shape the team’s next chapter.

The latest pre-season top 25 rankings reveal how off‑season moves are reshaping the national picture, with Florida holding the No. 1 spot and several programs making bold roster upgrades.

On3’s latest verified NIL valuations show a stark contrast across SEC programs, with Miami leading the pack while Alabama remains cautious about player valuations despite fan concerns.

A look at the Vols’ 2026‑27 roster, the national rankings they’ve earned, and what a 5‑seed could mean for their tournament path.

LeBron James announced he will play for the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2026‑27 NBA season, marking his 24th year in the league and a career‑low $3.8 million salary, while at least 18 college players, including Tennessee guard Juke Harris, are projected to earn more than him.

The Volunteers open the season ranked third in the preseason SEC poll, riding the momentum of three straight Elite Eight appearances and a revamped roster.

After a injury‑marred summer, Fermin is on track to be fully healthy for the upcoming season, while Tennessee adds a wave of new talent under coach Rick Barnes.

Tennessee will open its season at home against Michigan State on Nov. 17, a rematch of the 2010 Elite Eight that adds another chapter to a series that favors the Spartans.

The University of Tennessee adds eight transfers, including three highly ranked players, ahead of a challenging schedule that features matchups against top‑ranked opponents.