2026 player rankings: 5 takeaways
There was some reshuffling in the latest 2026 Tennessee player rankings. The top 10 has a makeover, and it was needed. Here are 5 takeaways from the latest installment: New No. 1 First Assembly Christian School’s MJ Hayes is the…
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Continue ReadingThere was some reshuffling in the latest 2026 Tennessee player rankings.
The top 10 has a makeover, and it was needed.
Here are 5 takeaways from the latest installment:
New No. 1
First Assembly Christian School’s MJ Hayes is the new No. 1 and is well-deserving of being in the top spot. He has the highest upside of all the wings in this class. At 6-foot-5, Hayes is a bonafide stud on the offensive end, as he’s able to knock down shots from the perimeter. His bounce is off the charts as his head is above the rim each time he slams it home. Defensively, he does a great job of getting deflections. Hayes is only going to get better. He’s just getting started.
Christian Brothers’ Keeper Jackson stays put at No. 2. Jackson, a 6-7 wing, has made strides on the offensive end. He has a reliable mid-range jump shot and shoots it well enough from 3-point range.
Smith rises 13 spots
Briarcrest’s Fred Smith jumped 13 spots to No. 7. The 6-6 forward has been consistent since the beginning of his freshman season. During the month of June, while playing with the Saints, Smith showcased his ability to push the basketball in transition and make a play. His IQ is high enough to be trusted with the ball in his hands. Smith is also very active on the boards.
Jackson remains in the top 3
First Assembly Christian School’s Cello Jackson fell two spots to No. 3 after holding down the top spot in the previous two installments. By no means did Jackson stopped improving or hit his peak. For Pro Skills 15U, Jackson displayed the intangibles college coaches are looking for. He hustles for loose balls, crashes the boards, defends the other team’s best decision maker at the guard spot, pushes the basketball in transition, and makes the right read when the basketball is in his hands. Jackson is willing to do the small things to help his team win games.
Pearson and Murphy round out the top 5
Pope Prep’s Trey Pearson Trey Pearson 6'2" | PG Pope Prep | 2026 State TN dropped one spot to No. 4. Cade Murphy Cade Murphy 6'5" | SG Knoxville Catholic | 2026 State TN stays put at No. 5. Pearson has solid court vision, good athleticism, and size to play point guard. He sees the floor well in transition and in half-court settings.
Murphy is moving in the right direction to have a legitimate chance of playing on the wing at the next level. His confidence and comfort have grown tremendously. Murphy’s offensive game has improved. He shoots it well enough to get the attention of college programs. Murphy’s a smart kid, with the clear understanding of how important it is to improve year in and year out.
Kamai Samuels debuts at No. 6. Trey Thompson, Dorion Bowen, and Cam Swearengen round out the top 10.