Christian Ward was impressed with everything he saw and experienced at Ole Miss on his Thursday visit, and he plans to return. The return trip is most likely scheduled for this autumn, when the Rebels will be working through an SEC schedule.

Ward, 6-3, 190 pounds, from Carrollton (Ga.) High School, is an unrated talent in the 2026 class, but don’t be fooled. He is a baller who has already received offers from Ole Miss, Georgia, Texas A&M, Georgia Tech, Indiana, Pittsburgh, SMU, Washington State, Tulane, UAB, Georgia State, Georgia Southern, Florida Atlantic, Arkansas State, and others.

Lady Vols coaching search: Who could Danny White, Tennessee hire?

Tennessee said on Monday that it was parting ways with women’s basketball coach Kellie Harper, who guided the Lady Vols to a 108-52 record (53-24 in SEC play) over five seasons.

The separation is sad. Harper was a decorated Lady Vols player who helped lead the program to three national titles under Pat Summitt, and she has a strong connection to the University as a native of Smyrna, Tennessee.

Harper led the Lady Vols to consecutive Sweet Sixteen berths in 2022 and 2023, but she did not make it to the Elite Eight. Tennessee hasn’t reached the Final Four since 2008, and it hasn’t placed higher than third in the SEC since 2014-15.

The Lady Vols just haven’t lived up to the Lady Vol standard, and Tennessee athletic director Danny White is tasked with making a key move in the hopes of recovering the brand. Here’s a look at who could become the next head coach of Tennessee’s legendary women’s basketball program.