LEXINGTON, Ky. March is widely regarded as the most magical month in college basketball. It’s a time when 68 of the 364 NCAA Division I programs enter with a fresh slate and a chance to create something special. This is the month where surprises unfold, legends are born, and hope flourishes.

Success during the season improves a team’s positioning in the bracket, but no matter the venue, the rules are simple: win and move forward, lose and go home. March Madness has earned its iconic name. While the Kentucky Derby may claim the title of the most exciting two minutes in sports, the NCAA Tournament stands as the most exhilarating event in American sports. It’s a stage where underdogs rise, and unknown schools become national sensations. Teams like Robert Morris, Fairleigh Dickinson, and UMBC have captured attention by defying expectations.

Historic Cinderella stories are almost a guarantee each year. Perhaps this season’s surprise contender will be UC San Diego, McNeese State, or the Drake Bulldogs.

Yet for Tennessee, this event has often brought heartbreak. Despite being a consistently strong program, the Vols have yet to break through to the Final Four. The pressure on Tennessee’s coaches and players to finally achieve that milestone is undeniable. Some openly acknowledge the burden, while others claim they ignore it. But for Tennessee’s passionate fan base, the desire to see their team make history is ever-present.

Over the years, Tennessee has built a reputation as a strong contender in multiple sports, but the Men’s NCAA Tournament remains an elusive prize. Despite Rick Barnes guiding Tennessee to impressive seasons, none have yet culminated in a Final Four run. Barnes himself has reached a Final Four before, but not with the Vols. Despite consistently earning high KenPom rankings, Tennessee has stumbled when key opportunities arose. To deny this is to ignore reality.

However, Tennessee’s recent Elite Eight finish was not a failure. They fell to Purdue and the dominant Zach Edey in a competitive regional final. The Vols encountered one of the toughest matchups possible, and their season ended respectably. Nonetheless, the Vols have moved closer to their breakthrough, and strategic adjustments have been made to ensure continued progress.

To improve their offensive consistency, Tennessee turned to the transfer portal, adding Dalton Knecht last season. Knecht’s dynamic play revitalized the offense, and if not for Edey, Knecht might have claimed National Player of the Year honors. This season, Tennessee secured Chaz Lanier, a standout from the 2024 transfer class. Lanier has excelled, providing the Vols with a reliable scoring threat.

With senior leaders like Zakai Zeigler, Jahmai Mashack, Jordan Gainey, and Igor Miličić Jr., Tennessee boasts one of the most well-rounded rosters in the country. Zeigler’s leadership and two-way brilliance, combined with Mashack’s defensive prowess, make Tennessee a formidable force.

This Tennessee team has all the pieces needed for a Final Four run—if they can maintain their focus. The question remains: if not now, when?

Many key players, including Zeigler, Lanier, Mashack, and Gainey, will depart after this season. While Barnes has masterfully adapted to the transfer portal era, rebuilding an entire backcourt in one offseason is a daunting challenge. The uncertainty surrounding Barnes’ future adds to the urgency. While retirement rumors persist, Barnes could continue coaching for years or choose to step away sooner than expected.

Regardless of Barnes’ plans, Tennessee’s opportunity is now. The Vols have consistently fielded competitive teams under his leadership, but this squad may represent their best shot in the foreseeable future. The path forward is clear: one game at a time, four consecutive wins, and Tennessee can make history.

If not now, when?