Tennessee’s History Against No. 1-Ranked Teams in the Rick Barnes Era
Since Rick Barnes took over as head coach of Tennessee basketball in 2015, the Volunteers have consistently proven themselves as a formidable program in the SEC and on the national stage. One of the most intriguing aspects of Barnes’ tenure has been the Volunteers’ performances against No. 1-ranked teams. Facing the top-ranked team in the country is always a daunting task, but under Barnes, Tennessee has shown the ability to compete—and even thrive—in these high-stakes matchups.
When Barnes arrived at Tennessee, the program was in the midst of rebuilding. The Volunteers were rarely in a position to compete with the nation’s elite, let alone defeat a No. 1 team. However, Barnes quickly instilled a culture of toughness and accountability, laying the foundation for future success.
Tennessee’s first encounter with a No. 1-ranked team during the Barnes era came on January 6, 2018, against the Villanova Wildcats. While the Volunteers were still finding their identity as a program, they battled hard but ultimately fell short against a Villanova team that would go on to win the national championship. That game, however, showcased Tennessee’s potential and foreshadowed their ability to compete with the best.
The Volunteers’ most iconic victory over a No. 1-ranked team under Barnes came on December 9, 2018, when they defeated Gonzaga 76-73 in the Jerry Colangelo Classic in Phoenix, Arizona. Gonzaga entered the game as the top team in the country and featured a roster loaded with NBA-caliber talent, including Rui Hachimura and Brandon Clarke.
Tennessee, led by a veteran core featuring Grant Williams, Admiral Schofield, and Jordan Bone, rose to the occasion. Schofield delivered one of the best performances of his career, scoring 30 points and hitting a go-ahead three-pointer in the final minute to seal the upset. That victory catapulted Tennessee into the national spotlight and solidified their status as a legitimate championship contender.
“We knew we could play with anyone,” Barnes said after the game. “Our guys never backed down, and that’s what makes this team special.”
The win over Gonzaga remains one of the signature moments of Barnes’ tenure and a testament to his ability to prepare his team for big games.
Tennessee has also had several high-profile matchups against No. 1-ranked teams within the SEC during the Barnes era. One of the most memorable occurred on February 15, 2022, when the Volunteers hosted top-ranked Auburn at Thompson-Boling Arena. Led by standout performances from Santiago Vescovi and Kennedy Chandler, Tennessee pulled off a thrilling 67-62 victory. The home crowd provided an electric atmosphere, and the Volunteers’ suffocating defense held Auburn to just 35% shooting.
Another notable clash came against the Kentucky Wildcats, who were ranked No. 1 in early 2019. Despite a valiant effort, Tennessee fell short in that matchup, but the experience gained from facing a team of that caliber paid dividends later in the season.
Rick Barnes’ teams have shown a remarkable ability to learn and grow from their experiences against top-ranked opponents. Even in losses, Tennessee has often displayed the toughness and discipline that are hallmarks of Barnes’ coaching style.
One of the key factors in Tennessee’s success against elite teams has been their defense. Under Barnes, the Volunteers have consistently ranked among the best defensive teams in the nation, using physicality and disciplined rotations to frustrate opponents. This defensive identity has allowed Tennessee to remain competitive, even against the best teams in the country.
As Barnes continues to build on his legacy at Tennessee, the Volunteers are likely to face more No. 1-ranked teams in the future. With a deep roster and a strong recruiting pipeline, the program is well-positioned to compete at the highest level for years to come.
While the Rick Barnes era at Tennessee has already produced several memorable moments against No. 1-ranked teams, fans are eager to see the Volunteers add more victories to that legacy. If history is any indication, Tennessee will continue to rise to the occasion whenever they face the best of the best.