Tennessee reportedly hosting $1M 4-star elite rim protector nearing Felix Okpara's block total

Tennessee reportedly hosting $1M 4-star elite rim protector nearing Felix Okpara's block total originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

There is no doubt that the Tennessee Volunteers basketball team will miss big man Felix Okpara when it is all said and done. The biggest challenge will be replacing him with a rim protector of his caliber. After the Elite Eight loss, Okpara made it clear that Tennessee was the right place to develop as a player.

“If you want to win, play for a good coach and play for a good program and work the hardest you have ever worked in your life, choose Tennessee,” Okpara told the media.

Okpara only spent two years on Rocky Top, but he quickly became a fan favorite. There has already been speculation about who Tennessee could bring in to replace him, with Mouhamed Sylla emerging as one name to watch.

“Sylla is an absolute beast at 6-foot-10, 240 pounds who could fill in perfectly for the Vols at center, taking Felix Okpara's spot. As a freshman in 2025, Sylla averaged 9.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in 21 minutes a game for the Yellow Jackets. Sylla is a defensive-minded big man who can rebound, roll to the basket off screens, and be a lob threat,” All For Tennessee’s Conner Linsner wrote.

While that remains speculation, it has been confirmed that Tennessee will host another big man, Miles Rubin, for a visit.

“Tennessee is set to host Loyola Chicago transfer Miles Rubin this weekend, as first reported by Mike Wilson. The six-foot-10, 220 pound center started in all 33 games in 2025 and averaged a team-leading 11.3 points and 7.1 rebounds per game. The Chicago, Illinois native shot 58.5 percent from the field, and became the program's all-time leader in blocks with 237. The Vols are also expected to host another transfer in addition to Rubin this weekend, I am told,” Tennessee reporter William Patteson wrote.

Landing Rubin would be a major addition for the Vols, as he fits the mold of an ideal replacement for Okpara. His 237 career blocks at Loyola Chicago are just six shy of Okpara’s career total, highlighting his defensive presence.

Head coach Rick Barnes is clearly targeting frontcourt talent, and Rubin’s visit signals strong interest. On3 currently has Rubin at a NIL value of $1 million and rated as a four star. The only question that remains is whether Tennessee is willing to do whatever it takes to land him.