Tennessee Volunteers Land 5-Star Forward Donnie Freeman, ESPN Ranks Class No. 5 Nationally After Blockbuster Commitment
Knoxville, Tenn. — April 25, 2025 — The Tennessee Volunteers just took a major step forward in the race for college basketball supremacy.
In a nationally televised announcement on ESPN, 5-star forward Donnie Freeman made it official: he’s committing to the University of Tennessee, giving head coach Rick Barnes and the Vols one of the most dynamic and high-upside prospects in the 2025 recruiting class. Freeman’s decision instantly vaulted Tennessee to the No. 5 spot in ESPN’s updated team recruiting rankings—a powerful sign that the program is not just thriving, but competing with the sport’s elite.
Freeman, a 6-foot-9, 215-pound hybrid forward from Washington, D.C., is ranked No. 12 overall in the ESPN 100 and is widely considered one of the most versatile players in the country. His combination of size, length, and skill has drawn comparisons to NBA stars like Brandon Ingram and Michael Porter Jr. He chose Tennessee over powerhouse programs like Kansas, Maryland, Alabama, and Syracuse.
“This is where I want to grow,” Freeman said during his announcement, seated beside his family and wearing a bright orange Tennessee hat. “Coach Barnes has a proven record with guys like me. He knows how to develop players and win. I want to win titles and leave my mark in Knoxville.”
A Massive Win for Rick Barnes and Tennessee Basketball
The commitment is one of the biggest recruiting wins of the Rick Barnes era and a loud message to the rest of the SEC that Tennessee is ready to play at a national championship level. Freeman joins an already strong 2025 class featuring four-star point guard Carter Blake and sharpshooter Keon Ricks, giving the Volunteers a top-five class that blends elite talent with system-ready players.
“This is a game-changer,” said ESPN recruiting analyst Paul Biancardi. “Freeman gives Tennessee a frontcourt player who can stretch the floor, guard multiple positions, and score at all three levels. He’s the kind of player you build a Final Four team around.”
Barnes, who has led Tennessee to multiple SEC titles and deep NCAA Tournament runs, has long been known for developing pros and creating disciplined, defensive-minded teams. Freeman’s athleticism and offensive flair offer a new dimension that could elevate the Volunteers’ ceiling.
“Donnie is a special young man with a world of talent,” Barnes said in a statement released by the university. “His work ethic, versatility, and passion for the game fit exactly what we’re building here. He’s going to be a great Volunteer.”
Inside Freeman’s Game
Donnie Freeman’s appeal goes beyond his 20.2 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game at St. John’s College High School. What sets him apart is how modern his game is. He handles the ball like a guard, shoots with range, and finishes above the rim in transition. Defensively, he can switch 1 through 5—a huge asset in the positionless systems now dominating college and pro basketball.
“He’s just different,” said his AAU coach. “There aren’t many guys his size who can do what he does. Tennessee is getting a real one.”
In his final AAU season on the Nike EYBL circuit, Freeman turned heads with dominant performances, including a 28-point, 11-rebound outing against a team stacked with top-25 talent. Those games helped solidify his stock as one of the most polished forwards in the class.
Big Picture: Tennessee’s Climb
Freeman’s commitment solidifies Tennessee’s rise as a national recruiting power. After years of developing under-the-radar players into NBA talent, the Volunteers are now pulling in blue-chip athletes ready to make immediate impacts. With ESPN now ranking Tennessee’s 2025 class No. 5 in the nation—just behind perennial powerhouses like Duke, Kentucky, and Kansas—the Vols have shown they can win big on the court and on the trail.
Fans immediately reacted on social media, flooding Freeman’s announcement post with cheers, Rocky Top GIFs, and words of welcome. Ticket interest for the 2025–26 season spiked within hours of the commitment going public.
Freeman is expected to officially sign during the early signing period this fall and will enroll next summer, where he will likely step into a featured role from day one.
What’s Next?
With Freeman on board, Tennessee may not be done yet. Barnes and his staff are still targeting one more elite wing to round out the class, and Freeman’s presence could help attract another 5-star looking to play alongside one of the most dynamic talents in the country.
For now, though, the Volunteers and their fans can celebrate a massive win.
Donnie Freeman is headed to Rocky Top—and so is the future of Tennessee basketball.
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