Tennessee confident in landing commitment from No. 1 player in Tennessee over Auburn, Ole Miss, USC

Tennessee confident in landing commitment from No. 1 player in Tennessee over Auburn, Ole Miss, USC originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Tennessee Volunteers men's basketball have been highly active in the transfer portal, and their efforts have been efficient so far. A major reason the Vols are pursuing some of the biggest names is their increased financial backing. Tennessee received a boost in NIL resources this April, allowing them to compete at a higher level.

“Tennessee basketball is on track to be among the elite in NIL spending next season. On3’s Pete Nakos on Thursday reported the Vols are one of a handful of teams set to spend $10 million or more in NIL for its roster next season,” VolQuest’s Grant Ramey wrote.

With the increase in funding and Nate Ament’s draft stock slipping slightly, there is a possibility the former five-star recruit could return to Rocky Top.

“I can confidently say that if Nate isn’t a lottery pick: Tennessee is extremely well-position to get him back next season,” said On3’s Pete Nakos. “I guess the question, something that only Nate can answer, is what is the lowest he’s willing to go in the NBA Draft.”

The Vols are also continuing their pursuit of one of the top in-state prospects. Christopher Washington Jr., considered the No. 1 player in Tennessee by 247Sports, is set to announce his college decision on Thursday.

“Tennessee basketball target Christopher Washington Jr. will announce his college commitment Thursday afternoon at 4:30 p.m. ET, the Class of 2026 four-star prospect announced Monday night on Instagram. Washington will pick between Tennessee, Auburn, Ole Miss, USC and Villanova. He will make his announcement live on CBS Sports HQ and 247Sports coming off a visit with the Vols that is expected to take place April 14,”