KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – University of Tennessee head men’s basketball coach Rick Barnes announced Monday the addition of Christian Fermin.

Following four years at A-10 powerhouse VCU, Fermin heads to Rocky Top as a redshirt senior forward with one season of eligibility left.

“We are happy to welcome Christian to the Tennessee basketball family. He is a special young man who is battle-tested on the court and is a proven winner,” Barnes said. “Christian possesses natural leadership skills and can light up any room with his energy and enthusiasm. He will really fit our culture as a person, in addition to bringing the size, length and defensive versatility we were searching for. Christian has shown the impact he can make as a shot blocker, but he also has a unique blend of skill and feel offensively. We are confident he will quickly adapt to our style of play at both ends of the floor.”

Fermin appeared in 90 games during his time at VCU and registered 49 starts. He averaged 4.0 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in 17.5 minutes per game, while shooting 55.3 percent from the floor.

During the recent 202526 campaign, Fermin played in just the first four games of the season. His redshirt last year will allow him to compete again in 2026-27.

In 2024-25, Fermin averaged 4.6 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.4 blocks in 19.4 minutes per game, adding a 54.4 percent clip from the floor. He participated in 34 of the team’s 35 games, logging 11 starts, while aiding the Rams to a 28-7 record, an A-10 regular season title at 15-3, an A-10 Tournament crown and an NCAA Tournament berth.

Fermin, who finished No. 50 nationally in block percentage (7.7) according to KenPom, swatted multiple shots 12 times as a junior, reaching four-plus on three occasions. He scored at least a dozen points in two outings, as well as grabbed five-plus rebounds five times.

The 6-foot-10, 225-pounder’s best statistical season came in 2023-24, when he posted 5.2 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.4 blocks in 21.4 minutes per game, alongside a stellar 57.0 percent mark from the floor. The Rams won 24 games, reached the A-10 Tournament championship and made the NIT quarterfinals.

Fermin ranked No. 46 in the country in block percentage (7.9) and top-150 nationally in offensive rebounding rate (11.1), per KenPom. He tallied multiple blocks in 15 contests, with three-plus in six and four-plus in three. Fermin also scored in double figures six times, including putting up a career-best 15 points in a Jan. 3, 2024, game versus St. Bonaventure.

Additionally, Fermin had six performances with at least nine rebounds, including two with double figures. He had a high of 14 in a Jan. 6, 2024, matchup with George Washington and amassed a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double in a Nov. 10, 2023, victory against Samford.

The Tobyhanna, Pa., native competed in 14 games for a VCU team that finished 27-8, won the A-10 regular season crown at 153, claimed the A-10 Tournament trophy and played in the NCAA Tournament. He totaled six points, 10 rebounds and three blocks in a reserve role.

Fermin was a VCU teammate of recent Tennessee signee Terrence Hill Jr., a junior-to-be guard.