A Unexpected Departure
Nic Abraham, a right‑handed pitcher who spent two years at the University of Tennessee, announced that he is entering the transfer portal, ending a stint that had seemed poised for a junior‑season return.
His decision follows the recent firing of pitching coach Josh Reynolds and the subsequent hiring of Austin Knight, moves that have reshaped the Vols’ staff.
During the season Abraham logged 34.2 innings, posting a 4.15 earned run average while striking out 20 batters and walking seven.
He is the fifteenth player to leave Tennessee’s program this cycle, joining a list that includes relievers Brayden Krenzel and Taylor Tracey, as well as a wave of freshmen who have entered the portal.
The departures extend beyond pitchers; four other pitchers and five freshmen have also moved on, and eleven position players have exited, among them starting shortstop Manny Marin.
Coach Josh Elander has responded by adding two newcomers from the portal: two‑way player Braydon Kersey from Mercer and pitcher Brody Trosclair from Northwestern State.
The ripple effect reaches beyond the immediate roster, with other alumni such as Ari Bethea, Ariel Antigua, Nate Eisfelder, Jay Abernathy and Chris Newstrom also part of the broader exodus.