Amari Evans is heading to Rick Barnes' old stomping ground, and Tennessee will see the ex-Vol next year

TL;DR

Amari Evans, a former Tennessee Vol, has committed to the Texas Longhorns for the next season. He will face his old team in the SEC as he transitions to Texas.

Key points

Amari Evans has committed to Texas Longhorns.
He is a former Tennessee Vol and will face his old team next season.
Evans averaged 4.1 points per game in his freshman year.

Amari EvansTennessee VolunteersTexas LonghornsSEC

Mar 3, 2026; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Tennessee Volunteers head coach Rick Barnes speaks with guard Amari Evans (1) against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Jeff Blake-Imagn Images The former Vol is remaining in the SEC, and he’ll get a shot against his former team next season. Tennessee has seen plenty of former players from the 2025-26 season catch on with notable programs so far this offseason. J.P. Estrella is joining defending national champion Michigan. Bishop Boswell is off to Maryland. Cade Phillips will suit up for Texas A&M next season. Jaylen Carey will be manning the post for the Missouri Tigers in 2026-27. Another former Tennessee Vol has finally made his college choice. Guard Amari Evans has committed to Rick Barnes’ former school, the Texas Longhorns, for next season, per multiple outlets and Evans himself on Twitter (X).

BREAKING: Tennessee transfer guard Amari Evans has committed to Texas🤘pic.twitter.com/1ThJaZrLew

— Transfer Portal (@TransferPortal) April 17, 2026 TEXASSSSS🧡 #hookem pic.twitter.com/Gq7kVENz7E

— Amari Evans (@AmariEvans0) April 17, 2026 Evans committed to Tennessee out of Overtime Elite in Atlanta, Georgia. A consensus top 80 recruit nationally, he picked the Vols over Pittsburgh and Xavier. As a freshman last season, he totaled 4.1 points per game for the season. He did, however, see increased playing time last in the season with Nate Ament being out with an ankle injury. In the regular season finale against Vanderbilt, he totaled 24 points in Tennessee’s 86-82 loss to their intrastate rivals. Evans’ departure was a bit of a sting, as he had flashed some potential late in the season. However, Barnes did a tremendous job of addressing the guard position in the transfer portal, , Tyler Lundblade (Belmont), and Dai Dai Ames (California), with more help potentially on the way. As such, there shouldn’t be any drop off at the guard position. In any event, the Vols will get an up close and personal look at their former player next year, with Evans deciding to remain in the SEC to continue his college career.

Q&A

Why did Amari Evans transfer from Tennessee to Texas?

Amari Evans transferred to Texas to continue his college career and compete against his former team in the SEC.

What were Amari Evans' stats during his freshman year at Tennessee?

During his freshman year, Amari Evans averaged 4.1 points per game, with a standout performance of 24 points in the regular season finale against Vanderbilt.

Who are some other former Tennessee players transferring to different programs?

Other former Tennessee players include J.P. Estrella, who is joining Michigan, Bishop Boswell heading to Maryland, and Cade Phillips moving to Texas A&M.