Dennis Gates lands his first transfer portal commitment

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Mizzou men's basketball coach Dennis Gates made his first splash in the transfer portal, on Monday night, as a big man is Columbia bound.

Former Tennessee forward Jaylen Carey confirmed on his social media that he will join the Tigers, after spending one season with the Volunteers. It was quite a season for the 6-foot-8 talent, as put his name into the program's record books.

Through 37 games, Carey cemented himself as one of the best rebounders that the Volunteers have seen. He ended his junior campaign with the fourth-most offensive rebounds (104) and the ninth-best offensive rebounding average (2.784) in a single season in program history. All-in-all, the Florida native averaged 7.4 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 26.4 minutes per contest.

Carey was second on the team in offensive rebounding (2.78), while ranking third on the squad in total rebounding, defensive rebounding (3.22), made free throws (54) free-throw attempts (110). The big man shot at a 48.7 percent clip from the floor as one of just two Volunteer players to play in every game in the 2025-26 season.

Mizzou will be Carey's fourth collegiate home, as he's made stops at James Madison, Vanderbilt and Rocky Top.

The forward will be joining the Tigers at an exciting time, as a historic recruiting class is coming to Columbia. Coach Gates is bringing in five-star talents Jason Crowe Jr. and Toni Bryant, as well as four-star prospect Aidan Chronister for the 2026-27 season. You can find a full look at the players included on Mizzou's roster for the upcoming season, as of Monday night, below.

• Guard Aaron Rowe (returner)
• Gaurd Annor Boateng (returner)
• Guard Jason Crowe Jr. (incoming freshman
• Center Trent Burns (returner)
• Forward Trent Pierce (returner)
• Forward Jaylen Carey (Tennessee transfer)
• Forward Luke Northweather (returner)
• Forward Toni Bryant (incoming freshman)
• Forward Aidan Chronister (incoming freshman)

Carey is Coach Gates' first portal pickup since losing four players to the portal so far this offseason, in guards T.O. Barrett, Anthony Robinson and Sebastian Mack, as well as forward Jacob Crews.