Barnes describes Lundblade’s rehab progress without a firm return date

Tyler Lundblade is making progress toward a Tennessee debut, but the October 6 account of his rehabilitation stops short of a firm return date.

Rick Barnes said at Tennessee’s October 6 media day that Tyler Lundblade was progressing through rehabilitation after a summer back procedure. Rocky Top Insider reported that the guard was still working toward full readiness.

Barnes described treadmill work with trainer Chad Newman and said the staff would continue following the doctors’ protocol. Lundblade wanted to return, the coach said, but medical instructions would determine the next steps.

Shooting credentials await a return

Tennessee’s official biography records Lundblade’s 2025-26 Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year award at Belmont. He started all 32 games, averaged 15.6 points and made 115 three-pointers at a 40.6 percent rate.

The biography also lists him as the Division I free-throw percentage leader that season, when he made 85 of 91 attempts. Those shooting contributions are part of what he brings to Tennessee; Tuesday’s rehabilitation account does not establish that he is ready to provide them in a game.

Exhibitions approach

The Volunteers’ official schedule lists a home exhibition against Xavier on October 15 and a road exhibition at Duke on October 20. Their regular season begins November 3 against Wofford at Food City Center.

Lundblade had said in late September that he hoped to avoid missing regular-season games, according to Rocky Top Insider. That hope remains distinct from a confirmed clearance or return date.

Barnes’ update describes progress under medical supervision. The next meaningful change will be a confirmed increase in participation or game availability.