College basketball rankings: Tennessee enters top 15 in way-too-early Top 25 And 1 after landing Juke Harris
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- Tennessee secures Juke Harris from Wake Forest for an reported $5 million, marking its seventh portal purchase since season’s end.
- CBS Sports ranks Tennessee at No. 15 in the Version 14 preseason Top 25, while Florida holds No. 1 with six of seven top scorers returning.
- Juke Harris averaged 21.4 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.9 assists last season, providing a high‑scoring boost for the Vols.
- Tennessee’s projected roster payroll exceeds $15 million, placing the program among the biggest buyers in college basketball.
- Florida remains No. 1 on the rankings, anchored by a core that helped the Gators win the SEC by three games and secure a No. 1 seed in the 2026 NCAA Tournament.
Why it matters: Tennessee gains a star scorer and a higher national profile, while rivals see the payroll gap widen; the $5 million investment pushes the Vols past $15 million, likely intensifying the arms race for elite transfers.
