Tennessee reportedly going all-in for 7-footer, top center after losing Favour Ibe to Virginia

Tennessee reportedly going all-in for 7-footer, top center after losing Favour Ibe to Virginia originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Tennessee Volunteers men's basketball were nearly perfect in the transfer portal this spring, which is why they now have one of the top classes in the country.

However, the Vols are still looking to fill the final spot on their roster. In fact, Tennessee appeared to be waiting on a decision from Favour Ibe before aggressively pursuing other options.

“I think right now you’re waiting to see what the visitor (2026 recruit Favour Ibe, who is 7-foot-1) from over the weekend does,” said VolQuest’s Brent Hubbs Tuesday on WNML’s SportsTalk. “What does he do? That sort feels like [that’s where] it is right now. And then after that, I don’t know.”

Head coach Rick Barnes and his staff ultimately were not able to land Ibe, as the highly touted center announced his commitment to Virginia. It marked one of the few notable misses for Tennessee during what has otherwise been a very successful offseason.

“7-foot-1 center Favour Ibe has committed to Virginia, he told Rivals The four-star big man is the No. 82 overall recruit in the 2026 class, per Rivals. He also made visits to Tennessee, Alabama, and Villanova,” On3’s Joe Tipton posted.