Top 5 player in the transfer portal commits to SEC school over Michigan

TL;DR

Juke Harris, a top player in the transfer portal, has committed to Tennessee, leaving the Michigan Wolverines disappointed. Despite this loss, Michigan remains competitive with several new recruits and returning players for the upcoming season.

Key points

Juke Harris commits to Tennessee
Michigan Wolverines lose a top transfer target
Michigan has signed three players from the portal
Wolverines still have strong recruits for next season
Harris's commitment follows Michigan's national championship celebration

Juke HarrisMichigan WolverinesTennesseeWake Forest Demon Deacons

RALEIGH, NC - DECEMBER 31: Guard Juke Harris (2) of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons looks to pass the ball during the college basketball game between the Wake Forest Demon Deacons and the NC State Wolfpack on December 31, 2025 at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Katherine Gawlik/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images Tough news for Dusty May and the Michigan Wolverines, as former Wake Forest wing Juke Harris has officially committed to Tennessee. The Wolverines were out in front really early on in this portal recruitment, but a late surge from the Volunteers ended any chance they had at landing Harris. It especially hurts losing him considering he was in Ann Arbor for Michigan’s national championship celebration the weekend after winning the NCAA Tournament. Michigan has signed three players out of the portal so far this offseason, and they’re all members of the front court. Tennessee forward/center J.P. Estrella was the first to announce his commitment to the Wolverines. That was followed up a couple weeks later by former forward , and then former center just one day after Reed’s announcement. This news isn’t shocking, as it seemed like Michigan lost momentum really, really fast in this recruitment. Losing one of the best players in the portal is never a good thing, but it isn’t detrimental to the Wolverines’ 2026-27 season by any means. May earned commitments from a bunch of talented freshmen, including five-star guard/wing Brandon McCoy Jr., four-star forward Quinn Costello and four-star guard Joseph Hartman. It also helps that and are back for another year of college basketball. So yes, while Harris ending up elsewhere is a bummer, it doesn’t mean Michigan is going to go from a title contender to a bottom-dweller in the Big Ten next season. There are still plenty of pieces in place to try and go back-to-back in the Big Ten and the NCAA Tournament. *For all the latest updates, be sure to check out our !*

Q&A

Why did Juke Harris choose Tennessee over Michigan?

Juke Harris committed to Tennessee after a late surge from the Volunteers, which overshadowed Michigan's early lead in the recruitment process.

What impact does Juke Harris's commitment have on Michigan's basketball team?

While losing Harris is disappointing, it is not expected to significantly harm Michigan's prospects for the 2026-27 season, as they have secured several talented recruits.

Who are the new recruits joining Michigan's basketball team this offseason?

Michigan has signed three players from the transfer portal, including J.P. Estrella, Jalen Reed, and Moustapha Thiam, along with several promising freshmen.