Cash Williams, a freshman catcher from Choctaw, Oklahoma, has officially entered the NCAA transfer portal, a move first reported by multiple collegiate sports outlets. His entry adds him to a list of seven Vol players who have opted to explore new opportunities since the portal opened on June 1.
Though Williams never took the field for Tennessee’s varsity squad, he spent the season as the team’s bullpen catcher, assisting pitchers in the dugout and providing depth in practice. The move comes despite a stellar high school career that saw him hit .505 with 12 home runs, 48 RBIs and 26 stolen bases in his senior year at Choctaw High School.
Williams arrived on campus as a highly touted recruit, ranking No. 113 overall in the Class of 2025 and No. 10 among catchers according to Prep Baseball Report. Perfect Game placed him even higher, listing him as the No. 4 overall player nationally and the top Oklahoma catcher in its 2025 preseason rankings.
The Transfer Landscape
The portal has become a defining feature of college baseball this offseason, with programs constantly reshaping rosters through both departures and arrivals. Tennessee’s situation reflects a broader trend: several key position players are testing the market, prompting coaches to pivot quickly and secure fresh talent.
Returning catchers for the Volunteers include redshirt sophomore Stone Lawless, sophomore Levi Clark and freshman Trent Grindlinger, all of whom are expected to be back next season. Junior utility player Garrett Wright also remains on the roster and could attract professional interest after a promising first year.
To address the potential loss of one or two catchers, Tennessee has already secured a commitment from Sean Dunlap, a top‑ranked prospect in the Class of 2026. Dunlap, ranked No. 3 nationally by Perfect Game and No. 2 among catchers, is viewed as a hybrid player who can both catch and play the outfield, offering the Vols flexibility in lineup construction.
Coach Josh Elander expressed confidence in the team’s catching depth, noting that Williams’s skill set could translate well to other positions on the field. Elander’s comments underscore the program’s willingness to develop versatile talent, even when a player’s primary role has been limited to practice duties.
The upcoming 2026 MLB Draft adds another layer of intrigue, as Dunlap is projected to be a significant draft risk, potentially drawing attention from professional scouts before his college eligibility expires. This dynamic could influence both Tennessee’s planning and the player’s own career decisions.
Beyond the diamond, Williams’s high school achievements include leading his team to a Class 6A‑II State Championship in 2024 and earning multiple Preseason All‑American honors from Perfect Game. His dual‑sport background — excelling in both baseball and football — has contributed to a well‑rounded athletic profile that attracted interest from several powerhouse programs.