
Tennessee Baseball Roster Takes Shape as Transfer Portal Closes
As the college baseball transfer window shut, Tennessee's coaching staff finalized a mix of returnees, departures and new additions ahead of the upcoming MLB Draft.
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As the college baseball transfer window shut, Tennessee's coaching staff finalized a mix of returnees, departures and new additions ahead of the upcoming MLB Draft.

From professional contracts and top prospect status to coaching roles and retirements, the former Vols roster has taken diverse paths since capturing the 2024 national title.

Hunter High, a Nashville native who delivered a game‑ending homer for Tennessee, has committed to Jacksonville State, where he hopes to build on a .343 career average and help the program chase another championship.

The Volunteers are reshaping their roster after a early regional exit, adding a nationally acclaimed transfer class while navigating the MLB Draft and a wave of departures.

Nic Abraham commits to Virginia Tech after Tennessee fires pitching coach Josh Reynolds, while the Vols manage a massive transfer portal turnover.

After a breakout junior season, Duncan chose Tennessee over other suitors, aiming to contribute immediately in centerfield.

Taylor Tracey, a freshman left‑hander from Tennessee, has pledged to TCU, bringing a 3.26 ERA and 28 strikeouts to a program with a strong recent tournament pedigree.

A look at the players leaving, returning and arriving as the Vols prepare for a pivotal campaign.

The University of Tennessee will take part in the Live Like Lou Jax College Baseball Classic in Jacksonville, Florida, from February 26‑28, facing a field that includes Georgia Tech, Cincinnati and Illinois.

The 2026 college baseball season concluded with Oklahoma capturing the national title, while Tennessee finished No. 25 in the final Baseball America rankings, highlighted by a late‑season surge, a series win over the champions, and a transfer class that includes five new pitchers.

With the transfer portal set to close in just over a week, Tennessee has secured its fourth incoming pitcher, while several seniors have exhausted eligibility and several prospects eye the MLB Draft.

Baseball America’s latest Top 500 draft prospect list showcases a wealth of talent from the University of Tennessee’s 2026 class, with multiple players ranked among the nation’s best.

UC Irvine transfer left‑handed pitcher Ricky Ojeda has pledged to the University of Tennessee baseball program, bringing a 3‑3 record, 3.77 ERA and 1.13 WHIP from his junior season. His addition marks the fourth transfer this offseason as the Volunteers navigate a wave of portal movement.

Sawyer Deering, a 6‑75 ERA freshman pitcher from Tennessee, has pledged to San Diego State, a program with a storied NCAA Tournament pedigree. His decision coincides with a wave of portal activity that has seen sixteen Volunteers move on, while a handful of teammates announce plans to stay.

Freshman All‑American Wyatt Hanoian, a standout at Air Force, has pledged to join Tennessee’s roster, bringing a .357 career average and positional flexibility.

Baseball America's 2026 All-American selections highlight Tennessee's newest recruit, a Mercer transfer who excelled both at the plate and on the mound and chose the Volunteers over Georgia and Wake Forest.

Jay Abernathy, a utility player who logged 53 games for Tennessee last season, has pledged to continue his career at Oklahoma. His arrival comes amid a roster overhaul for the Volunteers, who are looking to replace departing outfielders.

Coach Josh Elander has kept key players including Stone Lawless, Levi Clark, Trent Grindlinger and two‑way star Braydon Kersey, creating a unique situation where the Vols must balance catching duties, first‑base starts and designated‑hitter flexibility.

Jake Souders, a .349 batting average sophomore from Samford, chose Mississippi State over Tennessee, prompting the Volunteers to address a depleted outfield and explore transfer portal opportunities.

The Vols have kept nine key players, including standout hitters and pitchers, while navigating 13 departures.

Levi Clark announced his fifth-year return to Tennessee, joining a group of returning offensive players that could push the Volunteers back into the national championship conversation.

Junior outfielder Levi Clark will lead a Volunteers squad that combines proven power with a fortified pitching staff, setting the stage for a competitive 2027 campaign.

Recent moves in the Tennessee Volunteers baseball roster reveal a blend of departures and commitments as the team prepares for the upcoming season.
A deep look at how Tennessee's 2027 baseball squad blends proven returners, key newcomers, and draft‑watch dynamics under Coach Josh Elander.