KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee men’s basketball head coach Rick Barnes announced on Tuesday the addition of forward Jaylen Carey, who joins the Volunteers after spending a season at Vanderbilt. Carey brings with him one year of SEC experience and two years of college eligibility remaining.
“We’re excited to welcome Jaylen and his family to Vol Nation,” Barnes said. “He’s a passionate player with a versatile skill set who will fit well into our culture. Jaylen is a physical power forward who can play both inside and outside, with excellent hands, a strong feel for the game, and impressive offensive instincts. His style will complement our current post players, and we’re looking forward to working with him.”
Carey began his collegiate career at James Madison in 2023-24 before transferring to Vanderbilt. Over his two years, he has averaged 7.5 points and 5.0 rebounds in just 17.4 minutes per game, shooting 56.5% from the field. He has posted 20 double-digit scoring games and recorded six games with 10 or more rebounds, including four double-doubles.
In the 2024-25 season, Carey averaged 8.0 points and 5.7 rebounds in 20.2 minutes per game for the Commodores, helping them to a 20-13 record and their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2017. He shined in SEC play, posting 9.5 points and 6.2 rebounds per game, with seven double-digit scoring games in conference play.
Carey’s standout performance came on Feb. 15 in Knoxville, where he tied his career high with 18 points, adding seven rebounds and three assists against the Vols.
Before his time at Vanderbilt, Carey contributed to James Madison’s historic 32-4 season in 2023-24, helping them reach the NCAA Tournament Round of 32. He shot 66.9% from the field, averaging 7.0 points and 4.8 rebounds.
A graduate of Westminster Academy in Florida, Carey averaged 14.7 points and 10.1 rebounds per game as a senior. He was an All-State selection and earned All-Nike EYBL Peach Jam Second Team honors after a standout performance in the prestigious tournament.
Carey is the latest Floridian to join the Vols’ roster, following a history of players from the Sunshine State, including the last one, Derek Reese, during Barnes’ first season in 2015-16. His father, Vernon Sr., was an All-American offensive lineman at Miami, while his brother, Vernon Jr., was a standout basketball player at Duke and is now playing professionally in Turkey.
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