Tennessee
Women's basketball Bracket Watch: What seed does Tennessee deserve?
(Editor’s note: This is part of the Bracket Central Series, an inside look at the run-up to the men’s and women’s NCAA Tournaments, along with analysis and picks during the tournaments.)
After a whirlwind week across conference postseason play, we’re on the eve of the official Selection Sunday bracket reveal. If that doesn’t have you ready to run through a wall, man, I have no idea what will.
Ivy Madness has lived up to the hype, Penn and Harvard giving Princeton and Columbia a run for their money. Louisiana Tech had Middle Tennessee on the back foot much of the game until the Raiders pulled away late. Maine, one of my favorite mid-majors, waltzed into its first tournament appearance since 2019 and third under coach Amy Vachon. Top-seeded Hawaii fell to UC Davis in the Big West tournament, advancing the Aggies to a championship meeting against UC Irvine. A win for the Anteaters would push them to their first NCAA Tournament since 1995.
Across every corner and region of basketball, history is being made and excitement is rising. March is in full swing.
| Last four in | First four out | Next four out | Last four byes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Marquette |
Columbia |
Saint Joseph’s |
UNLV |
|
Texas A&M |
Mississippi State |
Villanova |
Michigan |
|
Arizona |
Washington State |
VCU |
Vanderbilt |
|
Miami |
Penn State |
Washington |
Auburn |
Multi-bid conferences
| Conference | Bids |
|---|---|
|
ACC |
9 |
|
SEC |
8 |
|
Big Ten |
7 |
|
Big 12 |
7 |
|
Pac-12 |
7 |
|
Big East |
3 |
|
WCC |
2 |
Impaction of MACtion?
Ball State and Toledo combined for a 33-3 record in the MAC, and they split the season series. The Cardinals’ only loss outside of Toledo in the MAC came on the road in overtime to Northern Illinois.
Then March happened. Instead of the expected showdown in the MAC tournament finals between the Cardinals and Rockets, upsets set a new stage. In Friday’s MAC tournament semifinals, Buffalo took down Toledo and Kent State shocked Ball State.
Buffalo and Kent State will tip off at 11 a.m. (ET) Saturday for the MAC tournament title in Cleveland (home of this season’s Final Four). As has been said many times, many ways, this is March!
The Golden Flashes have been successful under coach Todd Starkey, finishing with a winning record in seven of his eight seasons, including two regular-season MAC championships. They’re one game away from making the Big Dance for the first time since 2002. Buffalo, on the other hand, has made the NCAA Tournament four times in the last decade, enjoying the school’s best run with Felisha Legette-Jack (now Syracuse’s head coach). Becky Burke is in her second year leading the Bulls and is on the brink of her first tournament appearance.
How does the unexpected impact the bracket?
Unfortunately for Ball State and Toledo, they’re both a decent ways down the pecking order from an at-large bid. Regardless of what happens the rest of the way in conference tournament play, I’d safely say that both are likely WNIT bound. Similarly to how I explained Lamar’s case, it shouldn’t be forgotten that Ball State and Toledo put together tremendous seasons in the history of each school. But this is just part of the brutality of March.
Though I don’t expect the MAC to become a two-bid league, it does have a sizable impact in pushing some teams up a seed line. Neither Kent State nor Buffalo has the same level of resume as Ball State or Toledo. Rather than the No. 12 seed that’s been projected from the MAC, I would envision either team on the No. 14 seed line, and Fairfield moving to the last No. 12 seed.
What’s Tennessee’s ceiling?
Tennessee is one of the harder teams to project in this year’s field. Injuries significantly impacted the Lady Vols early: Transfer point guard Destinee Wells suffered a season-ending knee injury 10 games into the season, and star forward Rickea Jackson missed eight games with a lower leg injury.
How will the selection committee factor injuries into Tennessee’s slower start? The Lady Vols endured a 4-4 stretch with Jackson out of the lineup, including losses to Indiana, Ohio State, Notre Dame and Middle Tennessee.
It’s worth noting that was one of the toughest nonconference stretches anyone played in the country: Tennessee finished 11th in the country in nonconference strength of schedule and first in overall strength of schedule.
Tennessee played the best team in the country, South Carolina, tighter than just about anyone this season. The Lady Vols finished within 11 points twice in the regular season and were a 10-second stretch away from winning in the SEC tournament semifinals. Their win against Oklahoma early in the season stands out as a signature win from an overarching perspective, and blowing out Alabama in the SEC tournament to avenge one of their earlier losses goes a long way.
The Lady Vols don’t necessarily have the same level of quality wins as higher-seeded teams, but how much stock gets put into their play as they closed the year and found a groove? Given that teams in a similar range all have marquee wins against top-flight opponents, it feels difficult to move Tennessee ahead. Watching that game against South Carolina, Tennessee looked like a team capable of hosting in the tournament. That SEC tournament run seemed much stronger to me than a No. 8 seed, but Tennessee’s resume still is what it is, and it feels like a bit of a gray area to start projecting with the eye test.
I’m curious how the selection committee handles Tennessee as a case study because with respect to balancing the bracket, finding the right place to put the Lady Vols is challenging.
Seed list
| Seed | Team | Automatic qualifier | Lock |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
South Carolina |
AQ |
Yes |
|
2 |
USC |
AQ |
Yes |
|
3 |
Iowa |
AQ |
Yes |
|
4 |
Stanford |
||
|
5 |
Texas |
AQ |
Yes |
|
6 |
UCLA |
||
|
7 |
Ohio State |
||
|
8 |
LSU |
||
|
9 |
Notre Dame |
AQ |
Yes |
|
10 |
NC State |
||
|
11 |
UConn |
AQ |
Yes |
|
12 |
Oregon State |
||
|
13 |
Virginia Tech |
||
|
14 |
Indiana |
||
|
15 |
Colorado |
||
|
16 |
Kansas State |
||
|
17 |
Gonzaga |
||
|
18 |
Oklahoma |
||
|
19 |
Utah |
||
|
20 |
Syracuse |
||
|
21 |
Baylor |
||
|
22 |
Ole Miss |
||
|
23 |
Louisville |
||
|
24 |
West Virginia |
||
|
25 |
Duke |
||
|
26 |
Creighton |
||
|
27 |
Florida State |
||
|
28 |
Iowa State |
||
|
29 |
Nebraska |
||
|
30 |
Tennessee |
||
|
31 |
Michigan State |
||
|
32 |
Princeton |
AQ |
|
|
33 |
North Carolina |
||
|
34 |
Alabama |
||
|
35 |
Kansas |
||
|
36 |
Maryland |
||
|
37 |
UNLV |
AQ |
Yes |
|
38 |
Michigan |
||
|
39 |
Vanderbilt |
||
|
40 |
Auburn |
||
|
41 |
Marquette |
||
|
42 |
Texas A&M |
||
|
43 |
Arizona |
||
|
44 |
Miami |
||
|
45 |
Green Bay |
AQ |
Yes |
|
46 |
Middle Tennessee |
AQ |
|
|
47 |
Drake |
AQ |
|
|
48 |
Richmond |
AQ |
Yes |
|
49 |
FGCU |
AQ |
|
|
50 |
Fairfield |
AQ |
|
|
51 |
South Dakota State |
AQ |
Yes |
|
52 |
Marshall |
AQ |
Yes |
|
53 |
Eastern Washington |
AQ |
Yes |
|
54 |
Jackson State |
AQ |
|
|
55 |
Chattanooga |
AQ |
Yes |
|
56 |
Stony Brook |
AQ |
|
|
57 |
Maine |
AQ |
Yes |
|
58 |
Rice |
AQ |
Yes |
|
59 |
Kent State |
AQ |
|
|
60 |
Norfolk State |
AQ |
|
|
61 |
Cal Baptist |
AQ |
|
|
62 |
Portland |
AQ |
Yes |
|
63 |
UC Irvine |
AQ |
Yes |
|
64 |
Texas A&M-CC |
AQ |
Yes |
|
65 |
Holy Cross |
AQ |
|
|
66 |
Presbyterian |
AQ |
Yes |
|
67 |
Sacred Heart |
AQ |
|
|
68 |
Tennessee Martin |
AQ |
Yes |
The Bracket Central series is part of a partnership with E*TRADE.
The Athletic maintains full editorial independence. Partners have no control over or input into the reporting or editing process and do not review stories before publication.
(Photo of Kellie Harper and Tennessee: Jacob Kupferman / Getty Images)
Tennessee
Tennessee Football 2028 In-State CB Target Jermaine Cobbins Talks Recruitment
One of the nation’s fast-rising 7v7 events made it back to the Atlanta area as The Sevens 7v7 tournament was held at Peachtree Ridge High School over the weekend.
Many of the top organizations across the country registered and entered the tournament such as Hustle INC, C1N, NPA, 24K Cold Hearts, and Fast Houston.
The amount of star power each brand displayed with many of the top athletes from all of the country was insane to fathom.
One of the nation’s coveted 2028 cornerbacks was in attendance as Jermaine Cobbins and NPA showed up on a mission.
NPA earned the number 1 seed during pool play on the first day of the event. The team fell just short of the championship game, but the players went down swinging.
Vols on SI caught up with Cobbins to discuss any recruiting updates, and to shed light on an off-field story that deserves some attention.
Jermaine Cobbins Update
“The recruitment is going great,” Cobbins said.
“You know, a lot of teams are showing love,” Cobbins continued. Alabama, Vanderbilt, and Texas A&M were a few schools mentioned to be showing a lot of love to the Tennessee native.
Cobbins has plans to get on the road once dead period is over.
March 2- Auburn
March 6- USC (potentially)
March 13- Alabama
March 17- Georgia
March 19- Tennessee
March 21- Vanderbilt
As Cobbins is wrapping up his sophomore year and on his way to becoming a junior, the pace will pick up as schools will come on stronger as some will fall back. The talented defender has to check boxes of his on while spending time with each school.
“The main thing I’ll be looking for is probably how much love are they going to be showing, their background (track record), and how the coaches coach,” Cobbins explained.
With a visit to Rocky Top in a few weeks looming, this will be the first time Cobbins has made it to Tennessee since the staff changes on the defense.
Cobbins had a relationship with Coach Michael Hunter Jr., who joined the Volunteers staff for a very short time before taking an opportunity in the NFL.
“Me and the corners coach had a great relationship, he came (to UT) but he left out for the NFL, so kudos to him. Love that for him. I’ve met Coach Poindexter. He’s a great coach,” Cobbins said.
The coaching staff at Tennessee stands out to the Springfield (TN) student-athlete as, “they coach at a high level.” Cobbins would go on to describe how the Vols pulling in great talent truly has an impact because you get to practice against some talented players day in and day out.
Cobbins Gives Back
Cobbins recently had the opportunity to give back to the next generation, and it was no surprise to see this act carried out, so Vols on SI had to ask about this act of kindness before concluding the interview.
“That was very important (to me), you know. It just really made me feel good inside. I always love giving back to the little kids, especially from my hometown,” Cobbins said with a smile.
Cobbins understands the small-town life, and how such a simple gesture can make a huge difference. Talent aside, this is an A+ young man.
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Tennessee
Vanderbilt Basketball Guard Leaves Program Ahead of Tennessee Matchup – Knoxville Today
Published on Mar. 4, 2026
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
Vanderbilt basketball guard Frankie Collins is leaving the program, head coach Mark Byington announced on Tuesday night. The news comes just days before the Commodores are set to face off against Tennessee in the regular season finale, with the Volunteers looking to clinch a top-four seed and double-bye in the SEC Tournament.
Why it matters
Collins was Vanderbilt’s most highly touted transfer last offseason, but injuries limited him to just nine games this season. His departure leaves the Commodores shorthanded heading into a crucial matchup against their in-state rival Tennessee, who are seeking to complete a regular season sweep.
The details
The 6-foot-1 guard averaged 7.8 points, 4.7 assists and 4.2 rebounds per game this season, but suffered a meniscus injury in December that sidelined him for the majority of the year. With the emergence of sophomore point guard Tyler Tanner and Oklahoma transfer Duke Miles, Collins never quite found his footing in the Vanderbilt lineup.
- Frankie Collins left the Vanderbilt program on Tuesday, March 4, 2026.
- Vanderbilt is scheduled to face Tennessee on Saturday, March 8, 2026.
The players
Frankie Collins
A 6-foot-1 guard who was Vanderbilt’s most highly touted transfer last offseason, coming to Nashville after spending the 2024-25 season at TCU and the three prior years at Arizona State and Michigan.
Mark Byington
The head coach of the Vanderbilt Commodores basketball team.
Tyler Tanner
The sophomore point guard who emerged as a key player for Vanderbilt this season.
Duke Miles
An Oklahoma transfer shooting guard who joined the Vanderbilt roster this season.
Rick Barnes
The head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers basketball team.
Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›
What they’re saying
“Frankie has left Nashville, and he’s not gonna be on the team. It’s gonna be good for both sides of it. We wish him well. So we’ll roll with the guys we got.”
— Mark Byington, Head Coach, Vanderbilt Commodores (rockytopinsider.com)
What’s next
With a victory over Vanderbilt, Tennessee will clinch a top four-seed and a double-bye in next week’s SEC Tournament. Vanderbilt could potentially earn a double-bye themselves with a win and a little extra help.
The takeaway
The loss of Frankie Collins leaves Vanderbilt shorthanded heading into a crucial matchup against in-state rival Tennessee, who are seeking to complete a regular season sweep. The Commodores will have to rely on the emergence of players like Tyler Tanner and Duke Miles to try and pull off the upset and keep their own postseason hopes alive.
Tennessee
Tennessee Lands Three in Top 60 Picks of ESPN’s Post-Combine Mock Draft – Atlanta Today
Published on Mar. 3, 2026
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According to ESPN’s latest NFL mock draft, three former Tennessee Volunteers players are projected to be selected in the top 60 picks of the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. Cornerbacks Jermod McCoy and Colton Hood are both projected to be first-round picks, while wide receiver Chris Brazzell II is projected to be a second-round selection.
Why it matters
The strong NFL Draft projections for Tennessee players highlight the continued talent development and success of the Volunteers football program under head coach Josh Heupel. If these projections hold true, it would mark the first time Tennessee has had two first-round picks and three players selected in the top 60 overall during Heupel’s tenure.
The details
Cornerback Jermod McCoy is projected to be selected 29th overall by the Los Angeles Rams, despite not participating in on-field workouts at the NFL Combine due to a previous ACL injury. Teammate Colton Hood is projected to be the final pick of the first round, going 32nd overall to the Seattle Seahawks. Wide receiver Chris Brazzell II impressed at the Combine with a 4.37 40-yard dash and is projected to be a second-round pick, going 60th overall to the Buffalo Bills.
- The NFL Combine was held in late February 2026.
- Tennessee’s Pro Day workouts are scheduled for the end of March 2026.
- The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in April-May 2026.
The players
Jermod McCoy
A cornerback for the Tennessee Volunteers who is projected to be a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, despite missing the 2025 season due to an ACL injury.
Colton Hood
A cornerback for the Tennessee Volunteers who is projected to be a first-round pick, going 32nd overall to the Seattle Seahawks in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Chris Brazzell II
A wide receiver for the Tennessee Volunteers who impressed at the NFL Combine with a 4.37 40-yard dash and is projected to be a second-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›
What they’re saying
“If we’re going strictly by talent, McCoy is a top-10 prospect in this class. But he hasn’t played a game since 2024, missing all of last season after suffering an ACL tear in January 2025. We’re still not sure where he’s at in his recovery, as he did not participate in testing or drills at the combine. This gives the Rams — who haven’t drafted a corner in the first round since 2006 or before Day 3 since 2019 — the potential to get a steal here. McCoy is an easy mover who has squeaky-clean technique.”
— Jordan Reid, ESPN Analyst (ESPN)
“The reigning champions have a clear need at corner, as Josh Jobe and Riq Woolen are both scheduled to be free agents. Hood is a scheme-versatile player who can thrive in press man while also having the fluidity to excel in zone. A former all-state center fielder in high school, Hood’s ball skills frequently show up on tape (10 pass breakups and an interception last season). With his poised technique and wrap-up-and-finish tackling, he would fit well on the outside of Mike Macdonald’s secondary.”
— Jordan Reid, ESPN Analyst (ESPN)
“The Bills need someone who can separate on the outside, and Brazzell is an ‘X’ receiver who can be a deep vertical threat. He can also sink his weight and run a true route tree, making him a good fit with quarterback Josh Allen.”
— Jordan Reid, ESPN Analyst (ESPN)
What’s next
Tennessee’s Pro Day workouts are scheduled for the end of March 2026, where McCoy plans to participate in on-field drills to further showcase his recovery from the ACL injury. Strong performances at the Pro Day could potentially push McCoy back up draft boards into the top half of the first round.
The takeaway
The strong NFL Draft projections for Tennessee players demonstrate the continued talent development and success of the Volunteers football program under head coach Josh Heupel. If these projections hold true, it would mark a significant milestone for the program, with Tennessee potentially having two first-round picks and three players selected in the top 60 overall for the first time during Heupel’s tenure.
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