The Tennessee Volunteers' frontcourt is set for a shakeup as power forward Jaylen Carey has entered the NCAA transfer portal, as reported by Joe Tipton of On3. This move marks the latest chapter in a well-traveled college career for the 6-foot-8, 267-pound big man.

Carey's journey began at James Madison, where he averaged 7.0 points and 4.3 rebounds as a freshman. He then followed head coach Mark Byington to Vanderbilt for his sophomore season, boosting his averages to 8.0 points and 5.7 rebounds per game. Landing in Knoxville for the 2025-26 season, Carey provided solid interior play for the Vols, posting 7.4 points and a team-relevant 6.1 rebounds per contest.

His decision to enter the portal is part of a significant roster transition for Head Coach Rick Barnes. The Vols are losing three key graduates: point guard Ja'Kobi Gillespie, shooting guard Amaree Abram, and center Felix Okpara. Furthermore, Carey is one of five players from last season's squad to enter the transfer portal, joining Cade Phillips, Clarence Massamba, J.P. Estrella, and Bishop Boswell.

Looking ahead, Tennessee is actively rebuilding through both the high school ranks and the portal itself. The program has secured a trio of commitments for its 2026 recruiting class and has already added a key transfer in former Belmont sharpshooter Tyler Lundblade. As the portal window continues, expect the Vols to remain active in seeking experienced players to fill the void left by departing veterans like Carey.