TRANSFER NEWS: Kim Caldwell and Her Lady Vols Land Star Forward Janiah Barker from UCLA
Big-time news out of Knoxville—new Tennessee head coach Kim Caldwell is wasting no time making her mark on the Lady Vols program. In what could be one of the most impactful moves of the offseason, Caldwell has landed Janiah Barker, one of the top forwards in the country, out of the NCAA transfer portal. Barker, formerly of UCLA and a McDonald’s All-American, is officially heading to Rocky Top and brings a major boost of talent and versatility to Tennessee’s frontcourt.
Barker, a 6-foot-4 athletic powerhouse, is known for her elite defensive ability, rebounding presence, and smooth offensive skill set. Whether scoring in the post, stepping out for mid-range jumpers, or protecting the rim, Barker does a little bit of everything—and does it well. Her decision to transfer to Tennessee signals not only her belief in Caldwell’s vision but also that the Lady Vols are re-emerging as a destination for top-tier talent in women’s college basketball.
Originally from Georgia, Barker is returning to SEC territory after a productive stop at UCLA. During her time with the Bruins, she consistently showed flashes of greatness, combining size, mobility, and a high basketball IQ to impact games in multiple ways. Now, with a fresh start in Knoxville, she’s poised to become a centerpiece of Caldwell’s high-energy, aggressive system.
Coach Caldwell, who led Marshall to a historic season before being hired by Tennessee, has hit the ground running in her new role. Known for her fast-paced, pressing style and player-first culture, Caldwell is assembling a roster built to thrive in the modern women’s game. Barker’s commitment is her biggest splash yet.
“Janiah is the kind of player that changes the game every time she steps on the floor,” Caldwell said. “She plays with passion, she defends, she rebounds, and she’s got a skill set that fits perfectly with what we want to do. We’re excited to help her take the next step here at Tennessee.”
The Lady Vols, one of the most storied programs in the sport’s history, have seen plenty of changes over the past few seasons. But with Caldwell at the helm and players like Barker buying into the program, there’s a renewed sense of momentum and energy building in Knoxville. The expectation isn’t just to compete—it’s to contend.
Barker’s arrival also signals to the rest of the country that the Lady Vols are officially back in the mix. A player of her caliber choosing Tennessee sends a clear message: the orange and white are once again a force to be reckoned with.
With a blend of returning talent, high-potential newcomers, and now a star forward in Barker, Tennessee is setting the stage for an exciting new era. Fans can expect an up-tempo, hard-nosed brand of basketball, led by a coach with a proven track record and a rising star ready to make her mark.
Janiah Barker is headed to Rocky Top—and the Lady Vols just got a whole lot stronger.
