Tennessee PG Zakai Zeigler gives response that will make Vol fans smile for 2025 and possibly beyond

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Tennessee Volunteers News

Tennessee Vols point guard Zakai Zeigler is unquestionably the leader of the fourth-ranked team in the land (as of Monday), as well as the straw that stirs the drink on the offensive end of the floor for the Volunteers.

Following Tennessee’s 64-44 win over Florida on Saturday, which Zeigler (knee) and Igor Milicic, Jr. (illness) missed, it appears as though the Vols will be at full strength for their next contest against #15 Missouri on Wednesday night in Knoxville.

Zeigler spoke with Mark Packer, Jayson Swain, and Tony Jones on Sunday, and Zeigler mentioned he’ll be back on the floor against the Tigers.

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“Oh, I’m good, I’ll be back next game, simple as that,” Zeigler responded about his status. “I was a little banged up and it was bothering me. I had some numbers stuff that was going on with the strength coach that was a little off, and I was in some pain, but I’ll be back next game.”

That’s obviously the most important thing, that he avoided serious injury and is seemingly good to go moving forward.

Swain, however, took things one step further and put Zeigler on the spot by asking not about him being back this year, but rather about his interest in possibly returning for a fifth year in Knoxville for 2025-26.  The NCAA is currently examining the possibility of giving all athletes five years of eligibility.

Zeigler’s response was slightly coy at first, but it should also give Tennessee fans hope that perhaps this isn’t his last year wearing orange.

“Only God knows,” Zeigler said. “Only God knows, but why would I not? If this is the best situation for me, why would I not? I love Vol nation, and Vol nation loves me, so if that’s the best situation, then we may see it.”

In today’s NIL world, players have found their options to be as good or better by staying at school than by advancing to the professional level.  Of course, that will all depend on what kind of financial incentives that would be offered to Zeigler to stay compared to NBA and/or international professional options available to him.

It’s early, and we still don’t know if the NCAA will open the door with a permitted fifth year, but if they do, then it’s indeed possible that you won’t see Zeigler in orange and white for the last time when this season concludes.