In a thrilling display of skill and teamwork, the Tennessee Volunteers have risen to No. 9 in the latest CBS Sports Top 25 And 1 college basketball rankings. This surge comes after a commanding 77-62 victory over Baylor, where new star Chaz Lanier showcased his extraordinary talent, leaving fans and experts alike eager for what’s next for the Vols.

Last season, Tennessee earned a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament, winning 27 games and making a deep run to the Elite Eight. The key to their success was none other than Dalton Knecht, a 6-foot-6 guard whose performance dramatically shifted the Vols' trajectory. Knecht transferred from Northern Colorado and went on to average an impressive 21.7 points per game while earning SEC Player of the Year honors and securing a spot as the 17th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.

Now, it seems head coach Rick Barnes may have struck gold once again with Chaz Lanier. The 6-foot-4 guard, who previously starred at North Florida, made an immediate impact, averaging 19.7 points with a remarkable 44% shooting from beyond the arc last season. He has seamlessly transitioned to the SEC, and after his explosive performance against Baylor, he is on track to be named First Team All-SEC.

In the championship game of the Baha Mar Championship, Lanier lit up the scoreboard, netting 25 points in a first-half frenzy, hitting seven of ten attempts from 3-point range. "When the first shot goes in, all the jitters just go out of your body," Lanier explained, reflecting on his performance that helped Tennessee build a sizable 28-point lead.

The impact of Tennessee's victory wasn't limited to their own ranking; it caused ripple effects throughout the Top 25 And 1. Kansas holds strong at No. 1 for the 20th consecutive day this season, while Duke’s impressive upset over Arizona has led to strategic shifts in the rankings. Kentucky, with a neutral-court victory over Duke, has climbed to No. 10, bumping Duke down to No. 11.

Creighton has dropped out of the rankings following a disappointing 74-63 loss to Nebraska, making way for the undefeated Pitt Panthers, who now hold the No. 18 spot. They are set to face off against Wisconsin, ranked 15th, in an exciting matchup that fans won’t want to miss.

As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how these teams develop and whether Tennessee can continue its upward trajectory, led by the phenomenal talent of Chaz Lanier. With a perfect 6-0 start, all wins by at least 15 points, the Vols are making a strong case to be a team to watch in the weeks to come. Will they maintain their momentum and make a serious run at the championship? Only time will tell!