Tennessee surges in transfer portal class rankings after landing Juke Harris

Jan 20, 2026; Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA; Wake Forest Demon Deacons forward Juke Harris (2) handles the ball against Southern Methodist University Mustangs forward B.J. Davis-Ray (9) during the first half at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

After playing the waiting game for a couple of weeks, Tennessee has officially landed former Wake Forest guard Juke Harris. The 6-7 wing chose the Volunteers over Michigan and North Carolina, joining a loaded transfer portal class for Rick Barnes.

Harris averaged 21.4 points per game as a sophomore last season, earning Second Team All-ACC honors. He was the eighth ranked player in the transfer portal, according to 247Sports.

“We are thrilled Juke made the decision to join our program at Tennessee. Juke is not only an explosive talent, but also a humble young man from a great family,” Rick Barnes said, announcing the signing. “One of the premier scorers nationally, he possesses the ability to put the ball in the basket in numerous ways, from all over the floor. Juke can take over a game and impose his will at any time. He is a versatile player who can handle the ball in transition and has the length to make an impact defensively. As someone we were familiar with from his high school recruitment, Juke was a primary target for us as soon as the portal opened and he fits well with the roster we have assembled.”

Harris puts Tennessee’s portal class over the top. He joins guards Dai Dai Ames, Tyler Lundblade and Terrence Hill Jr, along with forwards Jalen Haralson, Miles Rubin and Braeden Lue. Tennessee is set to return guard Troy Henderson and center Dewayne Brown, while signing four from the prep ranks. The Volunteers have one more spot to fill, likely another big man to round out the depth.

Now with seven in the boat, Tennessee ranks second nationally in the transfer portal class rankings, . Only Louisville is ranked ahead of the Volunteers, while Texas, Indiana and Miami round out the current top five.