UNBELIEVABLE; Tennessee lands another 5-star commit with No. 1 in-state player picking Lady Vols
The University of Tennessee’s Lady Vols basketball program continues to dominate the recruiting trail with a major win, securing the commitment of the state’s No. 1-ranked recruit for the 2025 class. This marks another significant milestone for head coach Kellie Harper as she builds a future powerhouse in Knoxville.
The player making waves is none other than **Jordan Carter**, a 5-star guard hailing from Memphis, Tennessee, who has long been regarded as one of the most coveted recruits in the country. Known for her versatile scoring ability, elite defense, and high basketball IQ, Carter’s decision to stay in-state is a huge coup for the Lady Vols, bolstering their already impressive roster.
### A Historic Commitment for the Lady Vols
Carter’s commitment to Tennessee solidifies the Lady Vols as a perennial contender on the national stage. It’s not only the latest win in Harper’s recruitment efforts, but it also comes on the heels of several key signings, including one of the top prospects in the nation, signaling a changing of the guard in women’s college basketball. As Tennessee continues to compete at the highest level, adding a player of Carter’s caliber is a clear statement of intent.
“This is a massive day for Tennessee Women’s Basketball,” said Coach Kellie Harper in a statement following Carter’s announcement. “Jordan is one of the most complete players in this class. She brings incredible leadership, skill, and a winning mentality to our program. We are so excited to welcome her to the Lady Vols family, and we know she will be an instrumental part of our future success.”
### Carter’s Impact and Style of Play
Standing at 6-feet tall, Carter is a dynamic presence on the floor. Her ability to score from all areas, whether it’s driving to the basket, shooting from beyond the arc, or making plays for her teammates, has made her a standout throughout her high school career. Carter is also known for her tenacious defense, able to lock down opposing guards with her length and quickness.
Her skills have been showcased nationally, as she has helped her high school team to multiple state championships, earning numerous accolades along the way. Her versatility and all-around playstyle make her a perfect fit for Harper’s up-tempo and defensive-oriented system. As a guard who can do it all, Carter gives Tennessee a weapon that can make an immediate impact when she steps on campus.
### A Recruiting Win for Tennessee Basketball
Carter’s decision to commit to Tennessee comes after months of intense recruiting battles with some of the top programs in the nation, including programs from the SEC, ACC, and Pac-12. Despite the competition, Carter has always expressed her admiration for the Lady Vols, citing the program’s tradition, the strong relationship she developed with the coaching staff, and the chance to play in front of the passionate Tennessee fanbase as key factors in her decision.
“Tennessee has always felt like home to me,” Carter shared. “The history of this program speaks for itself, and I’ve seen the work Coach Harper is doing to build something special here. I’m excited to be a part of that and help take this program to the next level.”
The Lady Vols have always been a powerhouse in women’s basketball, and this commitment strengthens their standing as a top-tier program. Carter’s addition complements a rising group of talent, including several highly-ranked recruits already in the fold. With Harper’s steady leadership and a team poised for success, Tennessee is positioning itself to remain a national contender for years to come.
### The Bigger Picture: A Championship Run in the Making?
The arrival of Jordan Carter to Tennessee signals more than just an individual commitment—it’s part of a larger strategy to return the Lady Vols to championship glory. With the blend of experienced players and emerging talent, the Lady Vols are putting together a roster capable of competing for NCAA titles. Harper’s recruitment efforts have already paid off, and Carter’s decision to join the Lady Vols speaks volumes about the direction of the program.
As Tennessee continues to build, the Lady Vols will look to build upon the legacy of past greats like Chamique Holdsclaw and Tamika Catchings, whose presence still looms large over the program. With young talent like Carter on board, the future of Lady Vols basketball has never been brighter.
With Carter now in the fold, Tennessee fans can eagerly look ahead to the 2025-2026 season, when she will make her long-awaited debut in orange and white. The Lady Vols are not just chasing titles—they’re poised to add another generational talent to a storied program with a bright future ahead.
### Looking Ahead
As Carter’s commitment reverberates through the Tennessee basketball community, the Lady Vols coaching staff will continue to recruit at a high level to ensure that this class remains one of the best in the country. Carter’s arrival in Knoxville will undoubtedly attract even more attention to the program, drawing future recruits who see the potential for success and the prestige that comes with wearing the Tennessee jersey.
For now, Lady Vols fans can celebrate another monumental recruiting victory, knowing that their team has landed one of the top players in the nation, who will be a key figure in Tennessee’s continued pursuit of national championships.
