Lady Vols Forward Favor Ayodele Enters Transfer Portal After Limited Role in Inaugural Season Under Coach Caldwell
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Lady Volunteers basketball forward Favor Ayodele has entered the transfer portal, marking the second departure from the program following Coach Kim Caldwell’s first season. A source close to the team confirmed the news to Knox News on Wednesday, requesting anonymity due to the lack of a formal public announcement.
Ayodele’s decision comes after a season of limited playing time. The 6-foot-1 forward, who transferred to Tennessee from Pitt last spring as part of a five-player incoming class, appeared in only 15 games, averaging a mere 5.7 minutes per contest. Her contributions were modest, averaging one point and 1.7 rebounds per game.
This departure follows that of junior guard Avery Strickland, who entered the transfer portal earlier this month as a graduate transfer. Strickland, like Ayodele, saw limited action during the 2024-25 season. Both players’ experiences highlight the competitive landscape within the Lady Vols program under Caldwell’s leadership.
Ayodele’s collegiate journey has been unique. Prior to her time at Pitt and Tennessee, she honed her skills at three different junior colleges: Indian River State College, Eastern Florida State College, and Independence Community College. Her junior college career was marked by significant success, earning her second-team NJCAA All-American honors as a junior and first-team honors as a sophomore. Despite this impressive junior college record, her transition to the Division I level has presented challenges.
With only two seasons of Division I experience under her belt, Ayodele now seeks new opportunities. Her decision underscores the dynamic nature of college basketball, where players frequently seek transfers to maximize their playing time and potential. The transfer portal has become a significant factor in shaping team rosters, and Ayodele’s move is another example of its impact on the landscape of women’s college basketball. The Lady Vols will now look to address the roster adjustments needed for the upcoming season.
