Lady Vols Star Janiah Barker Disciplined After Oklahoma Loss

Tennessee head coach Kim Caldwell says Barker 'didn't meet team standards' and will be back with the team soon.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Tennessee Lady Vols basketball was without one of their best players, Janiah Barker, in their 100-93 loss to Oklahoma on Sunday. Head coach Kim Caldwell said Barker 'didn't meet team standards' and was not allowed to travel with the team. Caldwell indicated the punishment is not long-term and Barker will rejoin the team soon.

Why it matters

Barker is the Lady Vols' leading rebounder and second-leading scorer, so her absence was a significant blow. The team is looking to build an NCAA Tournament resume, with tough games against LSU and Vanderbilt coming up before the SEC Tournament.

The details

Barker, who was averaging 14.4 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game, did not travel with the team to Norman, Oklahoma for the game against the Sooners. Caldwell told reporters after the game that Barker 'didn't meet team standards' but the punishment is not long-term and she'll be back with the team soon.

  • The Lady Vols lost to Oklahoma 100-93 on Sunday, February 22, 2026.
  • Barker had one of the best games of her career against Texas A&M most recently, scoring 29 points with 10 rebounds.

The players

Janiah Barker

The Lady Vols' leading rebounder and second-leading scorer, who was disciplined by the team and did not travel for the Oklahoma game.

Kim Caldwell

The head coach of the Tennessee Lady Vols basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“She didn't meet team standards. Didn't make the trip. We'll fix it when we get back. She's got a bright future and she'll be fine.”

— Kim Caldwell, Head Coach, Tennessee Lady Vols (rockytopinsider.com)

What’s next

The Lady Vols will play No. 7 LSU on the road and No. 5 Vanderbilt at home after the Oklahoma loss, before the SEC Tournament begins.

The takeaway

This disciplinary action by the Tennessee coaching staff highlights the high standards they have for their players, even star performers like Janiah Barker. The team will need her back at full strength as they look to build an NCAA Tournament resume down the stretch.