Saturday was supposed to be all about football on Rocky Top, but Rick Barnes and the Tennessee Vols stole the thunder from the UT football program.

There were plenty of fans at the Orange and White game in Neyland Stadium on Saturday afternoon, but the biggest news of the day was Tennessee basketball’s big transfer addition.

Just before the start of the spring game, On3’s Joe Tipton reported that California transfer guard Dai Dai Ames had committed to the Volunteers.

NEWS: Cal transfer guard Dai Dai Ames has committed to Tennessee, his agent Adam Papas of @nxtsportsagency told @On3.

The 6-2 junior averaged 16.9 PPG this season, earning All-ACC Third Team honors. Previously played at Kansas State and Virginia.https://t.co/P2CLLLO2iq pic.twitter.com/y7ON6k6zCW

— Joe Tipton (@JoeTipton) April 11, 2026

Ames, 6-foot-2/190 pounds from Chicago, IL, is a former four-star recruit who started his career at Kansas State.

After his freshman season, Ames transferred to Virginia before landing at California for his junior season. He has one season of eligibility remaining.

Ames averaged 16.9 points per game while connecting on 38 percent of his three-point attempts at Cal last season.

Securing a commitment from Ames on Saturday was huge for the Vols as he was scheduled to take a visit to Xavier after visiting Tennessee.

The Vols, however, apparently made a big enough impression this week that the Chicago native was ready to commit to Tennessee.

Garwey Dual and Dae Dae Ames traded blows at the end of Kansas State’s win over Providence. Both were ejected. pic.twitter.com/oaSNhPqtlo

— The Field of 68 (@TheFieldOf68) November 18, 2023

Ames is the second transfer to commit to the Vols this month. Tennessee also received a commitment from Belmont graduate transfer guard Tyler Lundblade.

Tennessee still has more work to do, but this is a solid start to the offseason for Barnes and the Vols.