What Rick Barnes said about new Tennessee wing Jalen Haralson

SOUTH BEND, INDIANA - JANUARY 27: Jalen Haralson #10 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish looks on during the game against the Virginia Cavaliers at Purcell Pavilion on January 27, 2026 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) | Getty Images

One of Tennessee’s biggest pickups in the transfer portal to this point has just become official. Jalen Haralson, a 6-7, 220 pound small forward from Notre Dame, officially put pen to paper on Friday morning. Haralson, a former McDonald’s All-American prospect, was ranked as the 25th overall player in the portal, according to 247Sports.

Haralson averaged 16.2 points and four rebounds last season for the Fighting Irish, earning All-ACC honorable mention status.

“We are delighted to have Jalen joining the Tennessee basketball family and feel he is a superb fit here,” Rick Barnes said. “Jalen has tremendous positional versatility on both sides of the floor, which is a valuable asset.”

Haralson is the 14th McDonald’s All-American prospect to come through the Tennessee basketball program. He’s expected to slide into a similar role that Nate Ament played this past season, one that eventually had Ament looking like one of the best players in the country.

Though Haralson will need to continue to develop his shot, his ability to get downhill and finish in the paint is special. We saw Ament really come into his own doing just that last season, and Haralson will bring more of that ability next season.

“He is an aggressive, downhill driver who does an excellent job of drawing fouls and getting to the line,” Barnes continued. “Jalen can grab a rebound and get the break going, as he possesses a good handle, stellar passing ability and a high basketball IQ. He is well-suited for the pick-and-roll game and is also great at cutting to the rim. Jalen is looking forward to being part of our program and helping us win.”