Tennessee's Rick Barnes loses recruiting battle to Virginia for 7-footer, urgent need at center remains

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Tennessee's Rick Barnes loses recruiting battle to Virginia for 7-footer, urgent need at center remains originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Tennessee Volunteers men's basketball are nearly finished building their roster for next season, with just a couple of spots still to fill. One of the remaining needs is depth at the center position.

Head coach Rick Barnes has had a strong spring on the recruiting trail, landing visits and commitments from multiple targets. Four-star center Favour Ibe was viewed as one of the final priority recruits in this cycle.

Ibe, who stands seven feet tall, brings strong rim protection potential that could develop into a major asset over time. Tennessee was so invested in his recruitment that the staff appeared to pause other pursuits while waiting on his decision.

“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.”

After visiting Tennessee, Ibe also took a trip to Virginia, one of the Vols’ conference rivals and a key competitor in his recruitment.

“Tennessee target and four-star center Favour Ibe will visit Virginia today, per Jamie Shaw. Ibe, the No. 82 overall player in the 2026 class, visited Tennessee over the weekend, but is now set to visit the Cavaliers on Thursday as his recruitment intensifies,” Fox Sports Knoxville posted.

Virginia ultimately closed the deal, securing Ibe’s commitment.

“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.

This is a tough loss for Tennessee, as Ibe was one of their top remaining center targets. While the Vols still have a roster spot to address, this was a player they heavily prioritized throughout the process.

Now, Tennessee must reset its search at the center position. Ibe was viewed as a developmental piece with significant upside, but it’s possible Virginia offered a clearer path to playing time and immediate opportunity.

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