Tennessee Volunteers forward Tobe Awaka has made a surprising return to the team after officially withdrawing from the NCAA Transfer Portal earlier this week. The decision comes after several months of uncertainty regarding his future with the Vols.
Awaka, who had entered the portal in April 2024, cited his deep connections with Tennessee’s coaching staff and the team’s ongoing pursuit of success in the SEC as factors in his decision to stay. “After a lot of reflection and discussions with my family, coaches, and teammates, I’ve decided that my path is here with the Vols,” Awaka said in a statement released by the team. “The support I’ve received from this community has been overwhelming, and I’m excited to help lead this program to even greater heights.”
The 6’9” forward, who played a key role for Tennessee during the 2023-2024 season, averaged 5.1 points and 4.6 rebounds per game, providing a spark off the bench. Known for his physical presence in the paint and his energy on both ends of the floor, Awaka’s return will be a significant boost to the Vols’ frontcourt depth as they prepare for the 2025-26 season.
Head coach Rick Barnes expressed his enthusiasm over Awaka’s decision, stating, “Tobe’s decision to return is a huge win for our program. He’s an incredibly talented player with a high ceiling, and we’re excited to have him back as a key piece of our team moving forward.”
With the NCAA Transfer Portal continuing to shake up rosters across the country, Awaka’s withdrawal is a welcome development for the Volunteers, who are looking to build on their strong recruiting class and continue competing at the highest level of college basketball.
