Tennessee baseball head coach Josh Elander took to the airwaves of SportsTalk991 recently, offering a comprehensive look at the program’s recent draft activity and the road ahead for the Volunteers. Joined by assistant coach John Wilkerson, Elander reflected on the excitement of seeing multiple players selected and the opportunities that lie ahead.
Draft Highlights and Player Movements
The draft saw six Volunteers come off the board, among them Evan Blanco, Henry Ford, Tegan Kuhns, and Garrett Wright. Kuhns, who turned down a offer exceeding $1 million to remain in Knoxville, delivered a standout performance against Texas that highlighted his readiness for the next level. After the draft, five players departed the roster, including Jared Grindlinger and Trent Grindlinger, while Trevor Condon secured a life‑changing contract. The coaching staff, led by Elander and Wilkerson, met with each player and family to discuss professional pathways and to provide support during the transition.
Seven of the drafted athletes ranked among the top‑100 prospects nationally, underscoring Tennessee’s strong recruiting and development pipeline. This summer, transfers such as Tyler Myatt, Levi Clark, and Blaine Brown have been generating buzz in various summer leagues, with Myatt launching multiple home runs and Brown posting dominant mound outings. Jake McCoy, a newcomer from the United States Air Force Academy, has impressed with a fastball that reaches 99 mph and a wipeout breaking ball, while Ricky Ojeda, a former Team USA member, is viewed as one of the most polished relievers with the potential to start at the professional level. Wyatt Hanoian, also an Air Force Academy alumnus, has been credited with smoothing the integration of new transfers into the team culture.
The staff’s scouting itinerary included trips to Cary, North Carolina, and the Cape Cod League in Massachusetts, where they evaluated a host of emerging talents. These excursions, coordinated with the broader Tennessee Athletics network, have reinforced the program’s commitment to leaving no stone unturned in the pursuit of elite talent.
Facilities, Recruiting and Team Chemistry
The recent upgrades to Lindsey Nelson Stadium and the Rocky Top Club have become recruiting magnets, drawing commitments from high‑profile prospects and reinforcing the Volunteers’ reputation as a destination program. Elander emphasized that building chemistry among a blend of returning veterans and new transfers is a priority, noting that strong relationships often prove decisive in tight games where every play matters. He also highlighted the importance of mentorship, with senior figures such as Tony Vitello and Ross Kivett guiding younger players like Austin Knight, Chuck Jeroloman, and Ben Joyce as they adjust to the collegiate environment.
Looking ahead, the fall schedule promises a rigorous slate of competition designed to sharpen both pitchers and hitters ahead of SEC play. The coaching staff plans to foster internal competition while continuing to nurture the bonds that have defined the program’s recent success in 2022 and 2023. With a foundation built on experience, talent, and a clear vision for growth, the Volunteers are poised to contend for postseason accolades once again.