Baseball America has unveiled its 2026 All-American teams, and among the honorees is Tennessee’s newest two‑way recruit, Braydon Kersey, who earned a third‑team nod.
At Mercer, Kersey proved he could handle both the bat and the mound, slashing .325/.438/.684 while blasting 21 homers and driving in 67 runs, and posting a 4.95 ERA with six saves in 20 innings.
His decision to commit to Tennessee over powerhouse programs like Georgia and Wake Forest was shaped by a detailed plan that promised him the chance to develop as a hitter and pitcher simultaneously.
Kersey will retain two more years of college eligibility, but he is already projected as a potential 2027 MLB Draft candidate, adding a compelling long‑term storyline to the Volunteers’ roster.
He joins another transfer, left‑hander Brody Trosclair, as the second player to pledge to Tennessee, even as fifteen other Volunteers have entered the transfer portal and several have announced intentions to return next season.
A New Era for Tennessee Baseball
The influx of versatile talent like Kersey and Trosclair signals a strategic shift for the Volunteers, who are looking to blend power hitting with reliable relief pitching as they aim for a deep postseason run.
Coaches emphasize that the dual‑role approach could give Tennessee a competitive edge in the SEC, where two‑way players are increasingly valued for their flexibility and depth.