The Lady Vols had to play a much tougher team than the men's did in terms of their respective sport and what they have to bring to the system. The Lady Vols started their season a

Khamil Pierre made the go-ahead layup in the final minute and Zamareya Jones hit two free throws with 1.9 seconds left to help No. 9 N.C. State beat No. 8 Tennessee 80-77 on Tuesday in the season opener for both teams.

Tennessee coach Kim Caldwell announced Sunday that she has dismissed senior guard Ruby Whitehorn from the eighth-ranked Lady Vols, saying it was her responsibility to protect the program’s high standards.

The Lady Vols were forced to let go of one of their best players, as that player is Ruby Whitehorn. Whitehorn was arrested back in August for a big incident that she pleaded guilty to and was later allowed back on the team following a suspension. Fans had hoped this would be the last incident, but that wasn't the case.

Whitehorn was charged with misdemeanor possession when an officer found her in possession of 5.59 grams of marijuana early Thursday morning.

Four-star wing Gabby Minus, who's ranked No. 44 in the 2026 class, committed to Lady Vols basketball. She is Tennessee's second commit in the class.

Tennessee redshirt junior guard Talaysia Cooper was named to the 2026 Jersey Mike's Naismith Women's Player of the Year Trophy Watch List, presented by AXIA Time. She was on the midseason watch list for the award last year. Cooper was also on the Wooden Award Midseason Watch List last season.