The Tennessee Volunteers basketball team is gearing up for the upcoming season, and their sights are set on a promising addition to the roster. Tyler Lundblade, a transfer from Belmont, is set to visit the University of Tennessee on Monday, marking the beginning of a multi-day visit. This move comes as a strategic move by the coaching staff, who have already extended a warm welcome to Lundblade and his family upon their arrival at the airport.
Lundblade's credentials are impressive, to say the least. He was named the MVC Player of the Year for the Belmont Bruins last season, showcasing his exceptional skills with an average of 15.6 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game. His shooting prowess is particularly noteworthy, as he made 41% of his three-point attempts, resulting in 115 made three-pointers. In the previous season, he further solidified his status as a top shooter, making 104 three-pointers while shooting an impressive 48.1% from beyond the arc.
What makes Lundblade's story even more captivating is his journey to becoming a scholarship player. He initially walked on at SMU, worked his way up to earn a scholarship, and then faced a setback when the Mustangs fired Tim Jankovich. Undeterred, he moved on to TCU, where he again had to walk on before securing a scholarship. However, the Horned Frogs eventually recruited over him, taking away his scholarship. Lundblade's determination led him to Belmont, where he walked on once more and eventually earned a scholarship. His breakthrough came during the 2024-25 season, and he decided to transfer after an outstanding 2025-26 campaign, earning the MVC Player of the Year award.
Lundblade's talent has not gone unnoticed by the transfer portal rankings. 247sports ranks him as a four-star player and the 13th overall player in the transfer portal. EvanMiya further solidifies his status as a highly sought-after prospect by ranking him as a three-star player and the 67th overall player in the portal.
However, the Volunteers' roster situation for next season is still somewhat uncertain. The team is set to lose seniors Ja'Kobi Gillespie, Felix Okpara, Amaree Abram, and Grant Hurst to graduation. Additionally, the future of Nate Ament in the NBA Draft is uncertain, and more players may enter the transfer portal. With only one scholarship available, Tennessee's coaching staff faces a challenging task in shaping the team's future.
In my opinion, the addition of Tyler Lundblade to the Tennessee Volunteers' roster is a significant development. His exceptional shooting ability and impressive college career make him a valuable asset. However, the team's uncertain roster situation and the potential loss of players to the transfer portal add an intriguing layer of complexity to the story. It will be fascinating to see how the coaching staff navigates these challenges and builds a competitive team for the upcoming season.
