Breaking: Tennessee Star Zakai Zeigler Sends Clear Message on Where He Wants to Finish College Career. “Zakai Zeigler intends to play the 2025–26 season at Tennessee if granted an extra year of eligibility, his lawyers told federal judge Katherine Crytzer Friday,” Rocky Top Insider’s Ryan Schumpert wrote. Zeigler has made it clear: Tennessee is home…

Breaking: Tennessee Star Zakai Zeigler Sends Clear Message on Where He Wants to Finish College Career.

“Zakai Zeigler intends to play the 2025–26 season at Tennessee if granted an extra year of eligibility, his lawyers told federal judge Katherine Crytzer Friday,” Rocky Top Insider’s Ryan Schumpert wrote. Zeigler has made it clear: Tennessee is home…

In a resounding declaration of loyalty and commitment, Tennessee Volunteers basketball star Zakai Zeigler has made it unmistakably clear—he wants to finish his college career in Knoxville. The statement came as part of a legal proceeding on Friday, where Zeigler’s legal team informed U.S. District Judge Katherine Crytzer that the standout point guard plans to play for the 2025–26 season if granted an extra year of NCAA eligibility.

“Zakai Zeigler intends to play the 2025–26 season at Tennessee if granted an extra year of eligibility,” Rocky Top Insider’s Ryan Schumpert reported.

Zeigler’s message sent waves throughout the college basketball community, especially among Vols fans, who have seen the New York native grow into both a fan favorite and a cornerstone of Rick Barnes’ program. His on-court grit, defensive tenacity, and emotional leadership have helped define Tennessee’s identity over the past few seasons.

This development adds a personal and legal dimension to a broader conversation surrounding player eligibility and the effects of injury, hardship, and COVID-era waivers. Zeigler missed the end of the 2022–23 season due to a torn ACL, which some believe could be grounds for an additional year of eligibility. The NCAA has yet to rule on whether he will be granted the extra year.

Regardless, Zeigler’s message is unwavering: if he’s allowed to suit up one more time, it’ll be in Tennessee orange.

“I’ve grown so much here—not just as a player, but as a man,” Zeigler said earlier this spring in an interview with local media. “Tennessee gave me a chance when a lot of people overlooked me. This is my home.”

Zeigler’s journey to this point is one of perseverance and heart. An undersized guard from Long Island, he was not heavily recruited coming out of high school but quickly made his mark in Knoxville. Known for his lightning-quick speed and relentless defense, Zeigler developed into an All-SEC caliber guard and one of the emotional leaders of the Vols.

Fans have responded to Zeigler’s toughness and personality, embracing him as one of their own. His commitment to returning—pending eligibility—is being seen not just as a sports decision, but a testament to the deep bond between a player and a program.

Head coach Rick Barnes has repeatedly spoken highly of Zeigler’s work ethic and leadership.

“He’s one of the hardest-working players I’ve ever coached,” Barnes said earlier this year. “Zakai leads by example. He loves Tennessee, and Tennessee loves him.”

If the NCAA grants the waiver, Zeigler’s return would provide a major boost to a Tennessee squad expected to reload with young talent in 2025. His experience and presence in the locker room would be invaluable, especially in a sport increasingly dominated by transfers and one-and-done stars.

Until then, the Vol faithful wait. But one thing is clear: Zakai Zeigler has unfinished business in Knoxville—and he’s made sure the world knows it.