The 2026 college baseball season ended with a wave of activity in the transfer portal, and the University of Tennessee felt the full force of it. Eighteen Volunteers have announced their intent to move on, a mix of full‑time starters, part‑time contributors and younger players who saw limited action last year.
The Transfer Wave
Among those leaving, shortstop Manny Marin stands out as the only everyday starter to enter the portal. His departure follows a season in which the Volunteers fell short of their preseason expectations, prompting a wave of introspection across the roster.
Part‑time starter Jay Abernathy also decided to test the market, while bench players Ariel Antigua and Nate Eisfelder joined the exodus. Pitchers Brayden Krenzel and Chris Newstrom rounded out the group of athletes who left after what coaches described as "disappointing sophomore campaigns."
The departures are not limited to those with substantial playing time. A sizable contingent of younger players, who logged minimal minutes in 2026, opted to transfer in hopes of securing a clearer path to the lineup elsewhere.
Where they are headed provides an interesting snapshot of the current college baseball landscape. Four of the Volunteers have committed to other SEC schools, three are headed to the Big 12, two will join the ACC, one is bound for the Big Ten and three have chosen smaller conferences. Five players remain undecided, still weighing their options as the summer progresses.
The ripple effect of these moves will be felt beyond the individual careers of the departing athletes. Tennessee Athletics will need to rebuild a pitching staff and a middle‑infield core that lost several key contributors, while the program's recruiting strategy may shift to address the gaps left behind.