Zakai Zeigler, the dynamic point guard for the Tennessee Volunteers, has been honored as the 2025 Southeastern Conference (SEC) Men’s Basketball Defensive Player of the Year. This accolade marks his second consecutive year receiving this prestigious award, underscoring his pivotal role in Tennessee’s defensive prowess.
Standing at 5-foot-9, Zeigler’s tenacity and defensive acumen have been instrumental in the Volunteers’ success. His leadership has propelled Tennessee to a 25-6 overall record and a 12-6 mark in SEC play, securing the fourth seed in the upcoming SEC Tournament.
Zeigler’s journey is particularly inspiring, considering he overcame a significant setback—a torn ACL suffered in March 2023. His resilience and dedication to recovery have not only led to personal accolades but have also been a driving force behind Tennessee’s formidable defense.
In addition to his defensive recognition, Zeigler earned First Team All-SEC honors for the second straight season, reflecting his all-around impact on the court.
Zeigler’s back-to-back Defensive Player of the Year awards position him among the elite defenders in SEC history, sharing this distinction with only two other players—Mississippi State’s Jarvis Varnado and Texas A&M’s Robert Williams III.
As the Volunteers gear up for the SEC Tournament, Zeigler’s leadership and defensive prowess will be crucial in their pursuit of a conference championship. His journey from adversity to accolade serves as an inspiration, embodying the spirit and resilience of Tennessee basketball.
Go Vols!
