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

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.

Tennessee still has a significant need for another center and has already shifted its attention toward another seven-footer. Austin Maurer, a transfer from Seattle, is viewed as a young developmental prospect who could fit well within Barnes’ system.

“There are still some options available in the transfer portal as the Vols look for another rim protector. Seattle transfer Austin Maurer, 7-foot/235 pounds from Medford, OR, is ranked by 247Sports as the top available center in the portal,” A To Z Sports’ Zach Ragan wrote.

Barnes already has players he trusts to handle the majority of the minutes at center, but Tennessee still needs depth at the position. If Maurer is willing to embrace a developmental role and focus on long-term growth rather than immediate playing time, the fit could make a lot of sense for both sides.

There are still several options available for the Vols to explore, but for now, Maurer appears to be one of the more important remaining targets for the staff. Tennessee already has plenty of talent arriving in Knoxville and is now focused on rounding out the roster.