dailyloe.com – The University of Tennessee men’s basketball team has secured a commitment from Belmont transfer guard Tyler Lundblade. Lundblade announced his decision to join the Volunteers on social media on April 1, 2026. This move comes as Tennessee retools its roster after a third consecutive Elite Eight loss in the NCAA Tournament.
The transfer portal officially opens on April 7, the day after the national championship game. It will remain open for new entries until April 21, 2026. Tennessee is expected to be active in seeking replacements for departing players.
The Volunteers are slated to return nine impact players from last season’s squad. Starters Bishop Boswell and J.P. Estrella both retain multiple years of eligibility. Key rotation players like Jaylen Carey and Amari Evans could also return.
Tennessee’s season ended with a 95-62 loss to Michigan in the Elite Eight. The team entered March Madness as a No. 6 seed, its lowest under coach Rick Barnes. They rallied with tournament wins over Miami (Ohio), Virginia, and Iowa State.
The 6-foot-5 guard Lundblade provides an immediate scoring boost for the Vols. He averaged 15.6 points per game for Belmont during the 2025-26 season. Lundblade has also shot over 40% from three-point range for the past two years.
He started every game for a Belmont team that finished 26-6 this past season. His addition helps offset the loss of guard Ja’Kobi Gillespie. It also provides insurance if freshman Nate Ament decides to enter the NBA Draft.
Tennessee could lose up to three starters before the 2026-27 season begins. The program is focusing on the portal to fill those potential vacancies. The team’s early March struggles included four losses in six games.[]
Source: Knoxville News Sentinel
