​Through three seasons at North Carolina, Jalen Washington never developed into the dominant center fans envisioned.Washington transferred to Vanderbilt ahead of the 2025-26 season, helping the Commodores to their second-straight, Second Round NCAA Tournament appearance, while averaging career-highs in points, rebounds and blocks.Washington utilized his last year of eligibility in Nashville…or did he? After being granted an extra year of eligibility, thanks to a temporary injunction against the NCAA, Washington committed to Tennessee.The center from Gary, Ind. is choosing a rather unconventional route for his transfer, choosing Vandy’s archrival for his fifth year of college basketball. When the Commodores and Volunteers face off this coming season, expect some harsh feelings on the black and gold side.Along with several other collegiate players, Washington filed this initial lawsuit after the NCAA approved a transition to an age-based eligibility model. This says a student-athlete’s five years begin when they enroll full-time in college or turn 19, whichever comes first.NEWS: Vanderbilt transfer center Jalen Washington has committed to Tennessee, agent @DanielPoneman of @WEAVE told @On3. The 6-10 senior averaged 8.9 points and 5.6 rebounds per game this past season. He was recently granted an additional year of eligibility through a… https://t.co/IWmpGhV70Jpic.twitter.com/ne5QLFbplO— Joe Tipton (@JoeTipton) August 3, 2026Washington played 37 games across his first two seasons at UNC, showing promise during brief court time. Washington then moved into a starting role ahead of the Tar Heels’ 2024-25 campaign, later splitting time with Ven-Allen Lubin after never fully grasping the full-time center gig.With this extra year of eligibility, former North Carolina captain Seth Trimble is also able to return. After a strong Summer League, though, Trimble has the inside track to an NBA roster spot.Washington just enjoyed his best season, but a fifth year may be exactly the prove-it season he needs to get on NBA teams’ radars.Follow us @TarHeelsWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinion.This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: Former UNC center commits to SEC program