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Why did B.J. Edwards transfer to SMU basketball from Tennessee
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- Why did B.J. Edwards transfer to SMU basketball from Tennessee
(This story was updated to include new information.)
B.J. Edwards transferred to SMU after one season with Tennessee basketball.
Now Edwards could play against his former team if SMU defeats Miami (Ohio) in a First Four matchup in the Men's NCAA Tournament on March 18 in Dayton, Ohio.
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The 6-foot-3, 200-pound guard has started all 28 games for the Mustangs, averaging 12.7 points per game and 37% from 3-point range. He is second for SMU in assists with 138 and a team-high 65 steals.
Edwards will not play against Miami (Ohio) according to the availability report. He has missed the last five games because of a lower-body injury.
Tennessee forward Felix Okpara (34) with the flex after scoring while fouled by Duke in a college basketball exhibition game on October 26, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn.
(Saul Young/News Sentinel)
Tennessee forward Cade Phillips (12) scores with a dunk during a college basketball exhibition game against Duke on October 26, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn.
(Saul Young/News Sentinel)
Tennessee forward J.P. Estrella (13) yells in triumph after hitting a 3-point basket during a college basketball exhibition game against Duke on October 26, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn.
(Saul Young/News Sentinel)
Tennessee guard Ethan Burg (35) tries to get past Mercer guards Baraka Okojie (6) and Zaire Williams (1) during an NCAA college basketball game on November 3, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn.
(Saul Young/News Sentinel)
Tennessee basketball coach Rick Barnes and staff watching from the bench during an NCAA college basketball game against Mercer on November 3, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn.
(Saul Young/News Sentinel)
Tennessee forward Jaylen Carey (23) tries to score while guarded by Mercer forward Connor Serven (2) in an NCAA college basketball game on November 3, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn.
(Saul Young/News Sentinel)
Tennessee forward Cade Phillips (12) dunks the ball during a NCAA basketball game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Northern Kentucky Norse at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center on Nov. 8, 2025.
(Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel)
Tennessee forward J.P. Estrella (13) yells in celebration after making a basket during a NCAA basketball game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Northern Kentucky Norse at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center on Nov. 8, 2025.
(Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel)
Tennessee guard Clarence Massamba (4) celebrates after making a three-point basket during a NCAA basketball game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Northern Kentucky Norse at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center on Nov. 8, 2025.
(Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel)
North Florida 's Mason Lee (2) throws the ball over Tennessee forward Cade Phillips (12) and Tennessee guard Ja'Kobi Gillespie (0) during a NCAA basketball game between Tennessee Volunteers and North Florida Ospreys at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville, Tenn. on Nov. 12, 2025.
(Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel)
A young Tennessee fan dances on the sidelines during a NCAA basketball game between Tennessee Volunteers and North Florida Ospreys at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville, Tenn. on Nov. 12, 2025.
(Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel)
Tennessee forward Felix Okpara (34) blocks the shot from North Florida forward Nestor Dyachok (24) during a NCAA basketball game between Tennessee Volunteers and North Florida Ospreys at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville, Tenn. on Nov. 12, 2025.
(Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel)
Tennessee forward Jaylen Carey (23) screams out in celebration after scoring with a dunk on transition during an NCAA college basketball game against Rice on November 17, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn.
(Saul Young/News Sentinel)
Spencer Strider, Atlanta Braves pitcher and former CAK standout, at the NCAA college basketball game between Tennessee and Rice on November 17, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn.
(Saul Young/News Sentinel)
Tennessee forward J.P. Estrella (13) tries to score while guarded by Rice Center Stephen Giwa (32) during anNCAA college basketball game against Rice on November 17, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn.
(Saul Young/News Sentinel)
Tennessee assistant coach Gregg Polinksy gestures during a NCAA basketball game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Tennessee State Tigers at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville, Tenn., on Nov. 20, 2025.
(Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel)
Tennessee guard Ja'Kobi Gillespie (0) jumps for the basket during a NCAA basketball game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Tennessee State Tigers at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville, Tenn., on Nov. 20, 2025.
(Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel)
Tennessee forward Felix Okpara (34) dribbles the ball during a NCAA basketball game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Tennessee State Tigers at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville, Tenn., on Nov. 20, 2025.
(Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel)
Tennessee forward Nate Ament (10) attempts a shot past Louisville guard Adrian Wooley (14) during a college basketball game between Tennessee and Louisville held at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville, Tenn., on Dec. 16, 2025.
(Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel)
Tennessee cheerleaders during the player introductions before a college basketball game between Tennessee and Louisville held at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville, Tenn., on Dec. 16, 2025.
(Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel)
Tennessee forward Felix Okpara (34) celebrates a play during a college basketball game between Tennessee and Louisville held at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville, Tenn., on Dec. 16, 2025.
(Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel)
Tennessee basketball coach Rick Barnes during the NCAA college basketball game between Tennessee Gardner-Webb on Dec. 21, 2025, in Knoxville, Tennessee.
(Saul Young/News Sentinel)
Tennessee guard Amaree Abram (77) with the 3-point attempt during an NCAA college basketball game against Gardner-Webb on Dec. 21, 2025, in Knoxville, Tennessee.
(Saul Young/News Sentinel)
Tennessee guards Bishop Boswell (3), Amari Evans (1), Clarence Massamba (4), and forward DeWayne Brown II (6) during a pause in the NCAA college basketball game against Gardner-Webb on Dec. 21, 2025, in Knoxville, Tennessee.
(Saul Young/News Sentinel)
Tennessee guard Ja'Kobi Gillespie (0) celebrates a three-pointer during a college basketball game between Tennessee and South Carolina State held at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville, Tenn., on Dec. 30, 2025.
(Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel)
Former Tennessee player Zakai Ziegler shows love to the crowd during a college basketball game between Tennessee and South Carolina State held at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville, Tenn., on Dec. 30, 2025.
(Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel)
Tennessee forward Felix Okpara (34) tries to keep the ball inbounds while defended by South Carolina State center Tim Okojie (15) during a college basketball game between Tennessee and South Carolina State held at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville, Tenn., on Dec. 30, 2025.
(Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel)
Tennessee forward Felix Okpara (34) grabs the rebound during a college basketball game between Tennessee and South Carolina State held at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville, Tenn., on Dec. 30, 2025.
(Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel)
Tennessee guard Ja’Kobi Gillespie (0) celebrates after hitting a 3-point basket for his 34th point during an NCAA college basketball game against Texas on January 6, 2026, in Knoxville, Tenn.
(Saul Young/News Sentinel)
The University of Tennessee dance team performs in the pregame show of the NCAA college basketball game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Texas Longhorns on January 6, 2026, in Knoxville, Tenn.
(Saul Young/News Sentinel)
Tennessee forward Jaylen Carey (23) pulls Ja’Kobi Gillespie (0) up after Gillespie was fouled during an NCAA college basketball game against the Texas Longhorns on January 6, 2026, in Knoxville, Tenn.
(Saul Young/News Sentinel)
Tennessee and Texas players get tangled as they scramble for the rebound during an NCAA college basketball game on January 6, 2026, in Knoxville, Tenn.
(Saul Young/News Sentinel)
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Prep for March Madness with this year's Tennessee basketball highlights
Tennessee forward Felix Okpara (34) with the flex after scoring while fouled by Duke in a college basketball exhibition game on October 26, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn.
(Saul Young/News Sentinel)
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Prep for March Madness with this year's Tennessee basketball highlights
Tennessee forward Felix Okpara (34) with the flex after scoring while fouled by Duke in a college basketball exhibition game on October 26, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn.
(Saul Young/News Sentinel)
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Prep for March Madness with this year's Tennessee basketball highlights
Tennessee forward Cade Phillips (12) scores with a dunk during a college basketball exhibition game against Duke on October 26, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn.
(Saul Young/News Sentinel)
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Prep for March Madness with this year's Tennessee basketball highlights
Tennessee forward J.P. Estrella (13) yells in triumph after hitting a 3-point basket during a college basketball exhibition game against Duke on October 26, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn.
(Saul Young/News Sentinel)
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Prep for March Madness with this year's Tennessee basketball highlights
Tennessee guard Ethan Burg (35) tries to get past Mercer guards Baraka Okojie (6) and Zaire Williams (1) during an NCAA college basketball game on November 3, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn.
(Saul Young/News Sentinel)
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Prep for March Madness with this year's Tennessee basketball highlights
Tennessee basketball coach Rick Barnes and staff watching from the bench during an NCAA college basketball game against Mercer on November 3, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn.
(Saul Young/News Sentinel)
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Prep for March Madness with this year's Tennessee basketball highlights
Tennessee forward Jaylen Carey (23) tries to score while guarded by Mercer forward Connor Serven (2) in an NCAA college basketball game on November 3, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn.
(Saul Young/News Sentinel)
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Prep for March Madness with this year's Tennessee basketball highlights
Tennessee forward Cade Phillips (12) dunks the ball during a NCAA basketball game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Northern Kentucky Norse at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center on Nov. 8, 2025.
(Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel)
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Prep for March Madness with this year's Tennessee basketball highlights
Tennessee forward J.P. Estrella (13) yells in celebration after making a basket during a NCAA basketball game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Northern Kentucky Norse at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center on Nov. 8, 2025.
(Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel)
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Prep for March Madness with this year's Tennessee basketball highlights
Tennessee guard Clarence Massamba (4) celebrates after making a three-point basket during a NCAA basketball game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Northern Kentucky Norse at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center on Nov. 8, 2025.
(Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel)
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Prep for March Madness with this year's Tennessee basketball highlights
North Florida 's Mason Lee (2) throws the ball over Tennessee forward Cade Phillips (12) and Tennessee guard Ja'Kobi Gillespie (0) during a NCAA basketball game between Tennessee Volunteers and North Florida Ospreys at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville, Tenn. on Nov. 12, 2025.
(Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel)
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Prep for March Madness with this year's Tennessee basketball highlights
A young Tennessee fan dances on the sidelines during a NCAA basketball game between Tennessee Volunteers and North Florida Ospreys at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville, Tenn. on Nov. 12, 2025.
(Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel)
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Prep for March Madness with this year's Tennessee basketball highlights
Tennessee forward Felix Okpara (34) blocks the shot from North Florida forward Nestor Dyachok (24) during a NCAA basketball game between Tennessee Volunteers and North Florida Ospreys at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville, Tenn. on Nov. 12, 2025.
(Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel)
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Prep for March Madness with this year's Tennessee basketball highlights
Tennessee forward Jaylen Carey (23) screams out in celebration after scoring with a dunk on transition during an NCAA college basketball game against Rice on November 17, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn.
(Saul Young/News Sentinel)
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Prep for March Madness with this year's Tennessee basketball highlights
Spencer Strider, Atlanta Braves pitcher and former CAK standout, at the NCAA college basketball game between Tennessee and Rice on November 17, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn.
(Saul Young/News Sentinel)
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Prep for March Madness with this year's Tennessee basketball highlights
Tennessee forward J.P. Estrella (13) tries to score while guarded by Rice Center Stephen Giwa (32) during anNCAA college basketball game against Rice on November 17, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn.
(Saul Young/News Sentinel)
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Prep for March Madness with this year's Tennessee basketball highlights
Tennessee assistant coach Gregg Polinksy gestures during a NCAA basketball game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Tennessee State Tigers at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville, Tenn., on Nov. 20, 2025.
(Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel)
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Ja'Kobi Gillespie, Tennessee basketball guard for Vols, coach Rick Barnes
Tennessee guard Ja'Kobi Gillespie (0) jumps for the basket during a NCAA basketball game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Tennessee State Tigers at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville, Tenn., on Nov. 20, 2025.
(Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel)
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Prep for March Madness with this year's Tennessee basketball highlights
Tennessee forward Felix Okpara (34) dribbles the ball during a NCAA basketball game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Tennessee State Tigers at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville, Tenn., on Nov. 20, 2025.
(Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel)
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Nate Ament, Tennessee basketball forward for Vols, Rick Barnes, NBA draft prospect in 2026
Tennessee forward Nate Ament (10) attempts a shot past Louisville guard Adrian Wooley (14) during a college basketball game between Tennessee and Louisville held at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville, Tenn., on Dec. 16, 2025.
(Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel)
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They got spirit! See Tennessee cheer squads hit the basketball court
Tennessee cheerleaders during the player introductions before a college basketball game between Tennessee and Louisville held at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville, Tenn., on Dec. 16, 2025.
(Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel)
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Prep for March Madness with this year's Tennessee basketball highlights
Tennessee forward Felix Okpara (34) celebrates a play during a college basketball game between Tennessee and Louisville held at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville, Tenn., on Dec. 16, 2025.
(Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel)
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Prep for March Madness with this year's Tennessee basketball highlights
Tennessee basketball coach Rick Barnes during the NCAA college basketball game between Tennessee Gardner-Webb on Dec. 21, 2025, in Knoxville, Tennessee.
(Saul Young/News Sentinel)
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Prep for March Madness with this year's Tennessee basketball highlights
Tennessee guard Amaree Abram (77) with the 3-point attempt during an NCAA college basketball game against Gardner-Webb on Dec. 21, 2025, in Knoxville, Tennessee.
(Saul Young/News Sentinel)
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Prep for March Madness with this year's Tennessee basketball highlights
Tennessee guards Bishop Boswell (3), Amari Evans (1), Clarence Massamba (4), and forward DeWayne Brown II (6) during a pause in the NCAA college basketball game against Gardner-Webb on Dec. 21, 2025, in Knoxville, Tennessee.
(Saul Young/News Sentinel)
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Prep for March Madness with this year's Tennessee basketball highlights
Tennessee guard Ja'Kobi Gillespie (0) celebrates a three-pointer during a college basketball game between Tennessee and South Carolina State held at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville, Tenn., on Dec. 30, 2025.
(Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel)
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Prep for March Madness with this year's Tennessee basketball highlights
Former Tennessee player Zakai Ziegler shows love to the crowd during a college basketball game between Tennessee and South Carolina State held at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville, Tenn., on Dec. 30, 2025.
(Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel)
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Prep for March Madness with this year's Tennessee basketball highlights
Tennessee forward Felix Okpara (34) tries to keep the ball inbounds while defended by South Carolina State center Tim Okojie (15) during a college basketball game between Tennessee and South Carolina State held at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville, Tenn., on Dec. 30, 2025.
(Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel)
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Prep for March Madness with this year's Tennessee basketball highlights
Tennessee forward Felix Okpara (34) grabs the rebound during a college basketball game between Tennessee and South Carolina State held at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville, Tenn., on Dec. 30, 2025.
(Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel)
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Ja'Kobi Gillespie, Tennessee basketball guard for Vols, coach Rick Barnes
Tennessee guard Ja’Kobi Gillespie (0) celebrates after hitting a 3-point basket for his 34th point during an NCAA college basketball game against Texas on January 6, 2026, in Knoxville, Tenn.
(Saul Young/News Sentinel)
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They got spirit! See Tennessee cheer squads hit the basketball court
The University of Tennessee dance team performs in the pregame show of the NCAA college basketball game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Texas Longhorns on January 6, 2026, in Knoxville, Tenn.
(Saul Young/News Sentinel)
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Prep for March Madness with this year's Tennessee basketball highlights
Tennessee forward Jaylen Carey (23) pulls Ja’Kobi Gillespie (0) up after Gillespie was fouled during an NCAA college basketball game against the Texas Longhorns on January 6, 2026, in Knoxville, Tenn.
(Saul Young/News Sentinel)
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Prep for March Madness with this year's Tennessee basketball highlights
Tennessee and Texas players get tangled as they scramble for the rebound during an NCAA college basketball game on January 6, 2026, in Knoxville, Tenn.
(Saul Young/News Sentinel)
How did B.J. Edwards do at Tennessee?
The former Knoxville Catholic star averaged 4.3 minutes in 14 games as a freshman for the Vols during the 2022-23 season. He posted 1.2 points per game.
Edwards likely was not in line for a significant role in a deep backcourt in the 2023-24 season after UT added two transfers and Santiago Vescovi opted to return for a fifth year. He likely would have been set for a notable role the following season as the Vols have stressed his future potential being high as a point guard.
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Tennessee turned over its roster in the offseason with seven additions, including guard Freddie Dilione who enrolled early in January. The Vols signed four-star forward JP Estrella, four-star guard Cameron Carr, and three-star forward Cade Phillips.
UT added three transfers in USC Upstate guard Jordan Gainey, Northern Colorado guard Dalton Knecht, Harvard forward Chris Ledlum.
Tennessee returned junior guards Jahmai Mashack and Zakai Zeigler. Vescovi chose to return, giving UT a trio of veteran guards.
What Rick Barnes said about B.J. Edwards
Edwards was the No. 104 prospect in the 247Sports Composite.
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"We think B.J. has a chance to blossom into one of the best all-around guards in the SEC if he continues to work hard and buys into our player development program," coach Rick Barnes said after Edwards signed with the Vols. "Keeping him here in Knoxville has been a priority for us."
Edwards was the lone Vols signee in the 2022 class.
"B.J. is a player we've known for a long time, and he's a winner," Barnes said. "He's a complete guard who can impact the game in multiple ways. He plays with a lot of confidence and great pace. He also defends at a high level, which is an attribute we value. He's always been an efficient scorer, but he also makes his teammates better as a distributor."
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Why did B.J. Edwards leave Tennessee basketball for SMU, transfer portal
