In a move that stings more than a little for Tennessee fans, elite 2027 guard Finley Chastain has officially committed to the University of Oklahoma. Chastain, who had once pledged her future to the Lady Vols as an eighth grader, made headlines early in her high school career with her remarkable talent and poise. Her initial commitment to Tennessee sparked excitement and high hopes for the program’s future. Now, her decision to join the Sooners instead has left many in the Volunteer faithful feeling disappointed—and admittedly, a bit heartbroken.
Chastain’s flip, while not entirely shocking given the nature of modern recruiting, hits home especially hard. For a program that prides itself on tradition, loyalty, and building something lasting, it’s tough to watch such a promising player move on—especially one who had once believed in what Tennessee was building. The Lady Vols had been holding onto some hope that Chastain might reconsider and rejoin the fold. There were whispers and glimmers of optimism. But that door has now closed.
It’s not just that Chastain is a top-tier prospect—it’s that she represented the kind of future Tennessee fans dream about. With her sharp basketball IQ, elite court vision, and ability to control the tempo of the game, she could have been a centerpiece of a potential resurgence. Her game fits so naturally into what Tennessee has historically done well: smart, aggressive, team-first basketball. Losing her to another program, especially one outside the SEC, only adds salt to the wound.
Oklahoma, for their part, is gaining a remarkable talent. Chastain’s decision to go there speaks volumes about what the Sooners are building. Credit where credit is due—Jennie Baranczyk and her staff have clearly made an impression and laid out a vision that captured Chastain’s attention and loyalty. For Tennessee, though, it’s one more reminder that recruiting is a delicate, evolving game—one where early commitments can’t always be counted on until the ink is dry.
There’s still time for Tennessee to rally in this class, and there’s never just one player that defines a program’s future. But it’s fair to acknowledge that this one hurts. Chastain’s connection to the program felt genuine, and her departure feels like the loss of a little piece of that future we all imagined. The Lady Vols will regroup—because that’s what this program does—but for today, it’s okay to feel a little sad.
It’s part of being a fan: you invest, you dream, and sometimes, you get let down. But the hope never dies. Maybe there’s another young player out there ready to wear the orange and white with pride. Maybe the next Finley Chastain is just around the corner.
Until then, we wish Finley well. She’s a phenomenal talent, and we’ll be watching her career closely—even if it’s from a distance, and in crimson instead of orange.
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