Levi Clark, the Tennessee Volunteers’ standout infielder, announced this week that he will be back for a fifth year of eligibility, opting to return for the 2027 season. The decision comes after a two-year stretch in which he hit .261 with 23 home runs and 78 RBIs, numbers that have already begun to shape expectations for the upcoming campaign.
Recruited as the No. 36 overall prospect in the Class of 2024, Clark first made his mark as a freshman with a .289 average, 10 homers and 34 RBIs. A sophomore slump gave way to a surge in conference play, where he posted a .292 average across 27 SEC games and drove in 27 runs. His steady improvement has turned him into a cornerstone for the Volunteers.
Clark’s return coincides with the decision of fellow offensive contributors Trent Grindlinger and Stone Lawless to also remain in Knoxville for the 2027 season. Together, the three form a core that Coach Josh Elander believes can restore the team’s momentum after a 38‑22 finish that saw them exit the Chapel Hill Regional.
In a statement, Elander highlighted the blend of experience and fresh talent, noting that the Volunteers are poised to translate their recent SEC performance into a deeper postseason run. The coaching staff’s confidence is reflected in the way they are already shaping practice schedules around the returning trio.
Outside the locker room, the Kalshi prediction market has begun to adjust its odds, assigning the Volunteers a higher probability of capturing the national championship as the 2027 season approaches. Analysts cite the returning players’ combined skill set as a key factor in the market’s shift.
A New Chapter for Tennessee Baseball
The upcoming season promises to be a pivotal one for the program, as the convergence of proven production and high‑profile recruits creates a narrative that extends beyond the SEC. Fans and alumni alike are watching closely, eager to see whether the Volunteers can convert this renewed optimism into tangible success on the national stage.