In a huge win for Rick Barnes and the Tennessee Volunteers, Ja’Kobi Gillespie — one of the top available guards in the transfer portal — has officially committed to the Vols. The 6-foot-1, 180-pound guard from Greeneville, Tennessee, is heading back home after an impressive two-year stint at Belmont, where he emerged as one of the most electric two-way guards in the Missouri Valley Conference.
Gillespie’s commitment is a major boost for a Tennessee program that has been retooling its backcourt after the departure of veteran leaders like Zakai Zeigler and Santiago Vescovi. With proven production, athleticism, and relentless competitiveness, Gillespie brings exactly the kind of edge Barnes loves in his guards.
From Small-Town Star to Portal Prize
Gillespie was lightly recruited out of Greeneville High School but exploded onto the scene at Belmont. In his sophomore season, he averaged 17.2 points, 4.2 assists, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.1 steals per game — earning First-Team All-MVC honors and drawing attention from high-major programs across the country. With an explosive first step, tight handle, and elite defensive instincts, Gillespie quickly became one of the most coveted guards in the portal.
He took visits to multiple programs, including Florida State, Cincinnati, and Kansas State, but in the end, the pull of Rocky Top proved too strong.
“Tennessee is home,” Gillespie said in his commitment post. “Coach Barnes believes in me, and I believe in what this program is about — toughness, defense, winning. I’m ready to get to work.”
A Perfect Fit for Rick Barnes’ System
Gillespie checks all the boxes for a Rick Barnes guard — he’s physical, fearless, and efficient. Known for his defensive tenacity, Gillespie thrives in ball pressure situations and is a natural leader on the floor. Offensively, he can create his own shot off the bounce, but also facilitates well out of pick-and-roll situations.
What makes Gillespie’s fit even more intriguing is the fact that he’ll bring immediate experience and poise to a relatively young backcourt. With new faces entering the program and a few key veterans moving on, Gillespie provides the kind of mature, battle-tested presence that can help Tennessee remain a contender in the SEC.
Turning Down the Big Names
Gillespie’s recruitment was intense. Tennessee had to battle off late pushes from several Power Five programs offering major NIL packages. Sources close to the situation said one SEC rival even put together a “multi-million dollar” NIL proposal, but Gillespie’s heart remained in Tennessee.
“I’m not chasing the biggest check — I’m chasing championships,” he said. “Tennessee gives me that chance. I want to win at the highest level and do it where my people can see me.”
What It Means for Tennessee
With Gillespie’s commitment, Tennessee has secured one of the most complete guards in the portal. He’s expected to compete for the starting point guard job from day one and should thrive alongside incoming talent and returners like Jordan Gainey and Freddie Dilione.
More than anything, Gillespie brings an edge. A chip-on-his-shoulder mentality that reflects the DNA of recent greats who’ve passed through Knoxville. From Kennedy Chandler to Zakai Zeigler, Barnes has a knack for identifying and maximizing guards with grit — and Gillespie fits that mold to perfection.
As Tennessee looks to reload and contend once again in the SEC and beyond, adding a player like Ja’Kobi Gillespie isn’t just a win on the recruiting trail — it’s a message. The Vols are still very much a destination for elite talent, especially those who want to compete for banners.