COMMIT ALERT: Jaylen Carey Transfers to Tennessee Basketball.
Tennessee basketball continues to bolster its roster through the transfer portal, landing a key addition in former Vanderbilt center Jaylen Carey. The 6-foot-8, 265-pound big man officially committed to the Volunteers, bringing size, experience, and physicality to Knoxville.
Carey, a native of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, originally played at Westminster Academy before spending his collegiate career at Vanderbilt. During the 2024–25 season, he averaged 8.0 points per game on 48.8% shooting from the field. While not a consistent outside threat, he attempted threes at a 23.1% clip, showing a willingness to stretch the floor. His inside presence was most felt on the glass, where he grabbed 5.7 rebounds per game, including valuable offensive boards that extended possessions.
On the defensive end, Carey contributed 0.6 steals and 0.6 blocks per contest. Though not a dominant rim protector, his strength and mobility give Tennessee a versatile frontcourt option. He also chipped in 0.8 assists per game, showing flashes of court vision and unselfish play.
With two years of eligibility remaining, Carey adds depth and experience to Rick Barnes’ rotation as the Vols look to stay competitive in a stacked SEC. His physical build and ability to play through contact should help Tennessee on both ends of the court, particularly in the post and in transition defense.
Carey’s transfer comes at a crucial time, with the Volunteers aiming to replace key contributors and maintain their high defensive standard. His work ethic and toughness should fit seamlessly into Tennessee’s culture.
The Volunteers’ coaching staff continues to be aggressive in the portal, and the addition of Carey signals their commitment to reloading for another deep postseason run. Keep an eye on how Carey develops in orange and white—he could be a difference-maker
in the SEC.
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