Texas A&M basketball added Tennessee forward Cade Phillips, a former 4-star recruit and proven SEC frontcourt piece, for the 2026-27 season.
Texas A&M basketball added another experienced SEC piece on Monday, bringing in Tennessee transfer Cade Phillips for the 2026-27 season.
The 6-9 forward gives Bucky McMillan’s roster more size, depth and defensive presence in the frontcourt, while also adding a player who’s already been part of deep NCAA Tournament runs.
Phillips arrives in College Station after spending three seasons with the Volunteers, where he developed into a reliable rotational big man in one of the nation’s toughest leagues.
During the 2025-26 season, Phillips started nine of the 10 games he played before his year was cut short by injury. Even with the limited sample, his role showed Tennessee trusted him to handle meaningful minutes against high-level competition.
The previous season offered a better look at what Phillips can bring to Texas A&M. As a sophomore, he played in all 38 games for a Tennessee team that went 30-8 and reached the Elite Eight.
He averaged 4.6 points, 3.5 rebounds and 15.0 minutes per game, while also posting 33 blocked shots. His shot-blocking instincts stood out all year, including a five-block performance against Norfolk State that set a career high.
Phillips also flashed offensive upside. He poured in a career-best 15 points against South Carolina and nearly posted a double-double with 13 points and nine rebounds versus Austin Peay.
Those moments suggest there’s still room for growth if he sees an expanded role with the Aggies.
Before college, Phillips was a 4-star prospect who helped Link Academy go 27-1, capture the GEICO Nationals title and finish No. 1 in both the ESPN and MaxPreps national rankings.
He averaged 10.0 points and 7.0 rebounds there, after putting up 13.3 points, 8.2 rebounds and 4.5 blocks per game at Jacksonville High School in Alabama.
Off the floor, Phillips brings strong credentials, too. He was a three-time SEC Academic Honor Roll selection and served on the SEC Men’s Basketball Leadership Council, giving Texas A&M a veteran addition with production, maturity and upside.
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