Jack Dugan, a highly touted shortstop from Lipscomb Academy, announced his decision to join the University of Tennessee baseball program, passing up the opportunity to enter the MLB Draft.
Ranking services had placed him as the No. 109 prospect by ESPN and No. 106 by MLB.com, while Perfect Game listed him as the 52nd best high school shortstop and the 186th overall recruit nationally.
Dugan is one of four middle‑infield signees in Tennessee’s 2026 class and is ranked as the state’s No. 11 high school prospect, underscoring the significance of his addition to the roster.
A New Chapter for Tennessee Baseball
His commitment comes as the Volunteers, under head coach Josh Elander, enjoyed a breakout season that ended with a 38‑22 record and a seventh straight appearance in the NCAA postseason.
The team posted a 15‑15 mark in SEC play, highlighted by series victories over top‑10 opponents such as Mississippi State and Texas, and went unbeaten in midweek games with a 14‑0 record.
Elander’s first year saw the Vols capture a historic unbeaten streak in midweek contests and finish the year in the Chapel Hill Regional, a testament to the program’s upward trajectory.
The addition of Dugan is expected to reinforce Tennessee’s infield depth and add a dynamic spark as the team looks to build on its recent success and contend for future championships.