Joshua Jefferson injury update for Iowa State vs Tennessee basketball, Sweet 16

CHICAGO – Tennessee basketball’s Men’s NCAA Tournament run is full of delayed decisions.

The Vols had to wait extra days for the First Four to reveal their first-round opponent, Miami (Ohio). Now in the Sweet 16, No. 6 seed Tennessee (24-11) has to gameplan for Iowa State with or without one of its best players.

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All-Big 12 forward Joshua Jefferson is a game-time decision for the No. 2 seed Cyclones (29-7) when they take on Tennessee at the United Center on March 27 (10:10 p.m. ET, TBS).

Jefferson injured his ankle early in Iowa State’s March Madness opener against Tennessee State. He had a knee scooter while he watched the Cyclones defeat Kentucky, but is now able to move independently.

“There’s nothing new at this point,” said Iowa State basketball coach T.J. Otzelberger regarding Jefferson’s injury progress. “We’re going to give him every opportunity up until the game to do everything he can… At this point, it would be premature to make any type of determination until we get closer to tip.”

Jefferson averaged 16.4 points, 7.4 rebounds and 4.8 assists for the Cyclones on 47.1% shooting.

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Tennessee basketball practice for Sweet 16 vs Iowa State, best photos

Tennessee players gather mid-court before a practice ahead of the team’s NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 game against Iowa State at the United Center in Chicago on March 26, 2026.

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Tennessee basketball practice for Sweet 16 vs Iowa State, best photos

Tennessee players gather mid-court before a practice ahead of the team’s NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 game against Iowa State at the United Center in Chicago on March 26, 2026.

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Tennessee basketball practice for Sweet 16 vs Iowa State, best photos

Tennessee forward Nate Ament (10) after a practice ahead of the team’s NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 game against Iowa State at the United Center in Chicago on March 26, 2026.

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Tennessee basketball practice for Sweet 16 vs Iowa State, best photos

Tennessee practices ahead of the team’s NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 game…

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Publish date : 2026-03-26 22:06:00

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