ESPN tabs Tennessee as a Final Four contender with its overhauled roster

For all the skepticism Tennessee absorbed during the exhibition season, at least one major outlet is buying the Vols at the highest level: ESPN has picked Tennessee as a Final Four contender for the 2026-27 season, according to On3.

The projection is a striking vote of confidence in a roster that was overhauled in the offseason. Where anonymous league coaches saw a divisive team, ESPN sees one with the ceiling to play into April — a reminder that Tennessee's range of outcomes this season is as wide as any in the country.