Rick Barnes, the head coach at University of Tennessee, announced Monday that Juke Harris is joining the team.
Harris, who earned Second Team All-ACC honors during the 2025–26 season at Wake Forest, arrives as a junior guard and is expected to have two years of eligibility left under current rules.
Barnes praised the addition, calling Harris an explosive scorer with strong character, noting his ability to score from anywhere on the court, take control of games, handle the ball in transition, and contribute defensively with his length.
He added that Harris had been on Tennessee’s radar since high school and quickly became a top priority once he entered the transfer portal, fitting seamlessly into the team’s roster plans.
During his sophomore campaign at Wake Forest, Harris emerged as one of the nation’s top players, averaging 21.4 points per game—ranking 14th nationally—and totaling 750 points, sixth-most in Division I.
The 6-foot-7 guard also averaged 6.5 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.3 steals while shooting 44.4 percent from the field and starting all 35 games.
He posted strong national rankings across multiple categories, including free throws made and attempted, total minutes (setting a school record), field goals made, and three-pointers.
His standout season earned him ACC Most Improved Player honors along with All-South Atlantic District recognition.
Harris finished among the ACC leaders in several areas, including first in total minutes and top-three marks in scoring, total points, and free throws.
He was also one of only four Division I players to average at least 21 points and 6.5 rebounds per game, alongside stars like Cameron Boozer, A.J. Dybantsa, and J.T. Toppin.
Tennessee has been active in the transfer portal, with Harris becoming the program’s seventh addition this offseason as Barnes continues to reshape the roster heading into the upcoming season.
