A New Chapter in the Volunteer Schedule
In February 2027, the Tennessee Volunteers will head south to Jacksonville, Florida, to compete in the Live Like Lou Jax College Baseball Classic. The three‑day event, scheduled for February 26‑28, will feature a round‑robin format at VyStar Ballpark, the home of the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp.
VyStar Ballpark, a Triple‑A venue affiliated with the Miami Marlins, will host the tournament, offering the Volunteers a unique blend of minor‑league atmosphere and major‑league quality. The ballpark’s state‑of‑the‑art facilities are expected to provide a vibrant backdrop for the competition.
The field will be shared with three programs that made the 2026 NCAA Tournament: Georgia Tech, Cincinnati and Illinois. While each of those teams earned a postseason berth, none advanced beyond the regional round, setting the stage for an intriguing early‑season test for Tennessee.
Georgia Tech enters the tournament with momentum from a dominant 2026 season that included both regular‑season and ACC Tournament titles, earning the No. 2 national seed. Cincinnati finished sixth in the Big 12, and Illinois posted a 28‑27 record, just above .500.
Tennessee’s own 2026 campaign, overseen by first‑year head coach Josh Elander, ended with a 38‑22 overall record and a 15‑15 mark in SEC play. The Volunteers posted signature series victories over top‑10 opponents Mississippi State and Texas, and they remained unbeaten in midweek games at 14‑0.
The Volunteers’ season concluded in the Chapel Hill Regional, marking their seventh consecutive appearance in the NCAA postseason. Their early‑season travel itinerary also included tournaments in Arlington, Houston and Phoenix, experiences that should prove valuable as they adjust to the Jacksonville venue.
Beyond the on‑field storylines, the event underscores the growing partnership between college programs and minor‑league ballparks, offering student‑athletes exposure to professional‑grade environments while providing fans with high‑quality baseball in a historic setting.