As the 2025 season approaches, the Tennessee Volunteers baseball team finds itself in a position of both expectation and excitement. Under the leadership of head coach Tony Vitello, who has elevated the program into the upper echelons of college baseball, the Volunteers are looking to build on the momentum of previous successful seasons and continue their rise as one of the premier programs in the country. With a talented roster, strong recruiting classes, and a solid foundation, Tennessee baseball has set its sights on making another deep run in the College World Series (CWS). However, with new challenges ahead, particularly in the competitive Southeastern Conference (SEC), 2025 will be a critical year for the Volunteers.
This preview will delve into the key aspects of the Tennessee Volunteers baseball team, including returning players, incoming talent, positional battles, key matchups, and what fans can expect from the team as they aim for another championship push.
Tennessee Baseball’s Recent Success
Tennessee’s success over the past several years has been nothing short of remarkable. Under Vitello’s guidance, the Vols have developed into a national powerhouse, with regular appearances in the NCAA Tournament and the College World Series. The 2021 and 2022 seasons were especially memorable, as Tennessee finished at or near the top of the SEC standings and earned a top national seed in the NCAA Tournament. Their run to Omaha in 2021 was a monumental achievement, and while 2022 ended short of their ultimate goal, it further cemented the program’s place among the elite.
In 2024, the Volunteers made another deep run into the NCAA Tournament, showcasing their ability to compete with the best programs in the nation. Although they fell short of a national championship, the program’s continued success has created a strong recruiting pipeline and a culture of winning, with Vitello consistently bringing in top talent and developing it into major league-caliber players.
However, the 2025 season will not be a cakewalk. The SEC remains one of the most competitive conferences in college baseball, with teams like LSU, Arkansas, and Vanderbilt consistently vying for the top spot. Tennessee will need to continue to evolve and adapt to remain at the top of the college baseball landscape.
The Strengths of the 2025 Tennessee Baseball Team
Tennessee enters the 2025 season with several strengths that should keep the team competitive in the highly competitive SEC and national scene.
1. Pitching Depth
One of the cornerstones of Tennessee’s success in recent years has been its pitching staff, and that trend is expected to continue in 2025. The Volunteers have developed a reputation for producing electric arms, and this season is no exception. Tennessee’s pitching staff boasts a combination of returners and new faces who are primed to make an impact.
Chase Dollander, a potential first-round pick in the MLB Draft, is one of the most dominant pitchers in college baseball and will be a key asset to Tennessee’s staff. Dollander has been a force for the Volunteers since arriving in Knoxville, and 2025 is expected to be another strong season for the talented right-hander. His combination of velocity and command makes him one of the best pitchers in the country, and if he stays healthy, Dollander could be one of the top pitchers to watch heading into the 2025 MLB Draft.
In addition to Dollander, Tennessee has a talented pool of pitchers that should keep opposing hitters on edge. Blake Tidwell, a highly touted prospect, provides a solid second option in the rotation, while Drew Beam will also be a critical contributor. This depth in the rotation, combined with Tennessee’s ability to consistently develop pitchers, should make the Volunteers’ staff one of the most formidable in the SEC.
2. Powerful Lineup
Offensively, Tennessee is known for its explosive offense, capable of scoring runs in a variety of ways. The Volunteers possess a potent lineup that features some of the best hitters in college baseball. In particular, Tennessee has shown a knack for hitting the long ball, and the 2025 team should continue that tradition. Expect Tennessee to produce home runs in bunches, creating constant pressure on opposing pitchers.
Dylan Dreiling, one of the top hitters in the SEC, will once again be a leader in the Volunteers’ lineup. Dreiling is known for his power and ability to drive in runs, and his presence in the middle of the order is crucial for Tennessee’s success. Another player to watch is Jorel Ortega, who has developed into one of the best hitters in college baseball. His bat, combined with his ability to make consistent contact, will be critical as the Volunteers look to maintain their offensive firepower.
Additionally, Zane Denton, who has made a name for himself in college baseball with his strong bat, will be another key contributor for Tennessee. Denton is expected to be a leader both at the plate and in the clubhouse, providing experience and consistency for the Vols.
The Volunteers’ ability to put runs on the board through timely hitting, power, and aggressive baserunning will be a major factor in their success. As always, the key to Tennessee’s offense will be staying balanced and being able to hit in the clutch, particularly in high-pressure SEC matchups.
3. Strong Defense
While pitching and hitting often steal the headlines, Tennessee’s defense will also be a major strength in 2025. The Volunteers are known for their ability to execute the fundamentals and make plays in the field. A strong defense allows the pitchers to work more efficiently and minimizes the impact of mistakes. The Volunteers’ defense in 2025 is expected to remain solid, with a capable infield and outfield that can cover a lot of ground.
Trey Lipscomb, who made a significant impact at third base in 2024, will anchor the defense and bring stability to the infield. Lipscomb’s ability to make both routine and difficult plays makes him a key part of Tennessee’s defensive success. In the outfield, Kyle Booker is expected to be a standout player, providing the Volunteers with speed and range. His defensive abilities will help keep opponents off the scoreboard, and his ability to cover a lot of ground will be crucial in SEC play.
With a strong pitching staff and solid defense behind them, Tennessee is positioned to limit opposing offenses and give their hitters ample opportunities to score runs.
Key Positional Battles and Areas of Focus
While Tennessee enters the 2025 season with several strengths, there are also areas where the team will need to focus and improve. The Volunteers will be looking to fill a few key positions, and the competition for playing time in these spots will be intense.
1. Catcher Position
The catcher position is one of the most critical for any college baseball team. Not only does the catcher have to manage the pitching staff and call the game, but they also have to contribute offensively. Tennessee will be looking for a strong leader behind the plate, and several players are expected to compete for the starting job. Charlie Taylor, a promising sophomore, will likely be in the mix for significant playing time, while transfers and recruits will also battle for the role. Finding a consistent and reliable catcher will be important for the Volunteers, as this player will play a key role in both the pitching staff’s success and the team’s overall chemistry.
2. Baserunning and Situational Hitting
While Tennessee has the power to hit home runs, they will need to focus on being more effective in situational hitting and baserunning in 2025. The Volunteers have shown the ability to put up big innings, but they will need to be able to score in small-ball situations, particularly when facing elite pitching in the SEC. The team will need to focus on being aggressive on the basepaths, taking extra bases when possible, and executing in key moments—moving runners over, getting them home, and avoiding strikeouts with runners in scoring position.
3. Consistency from the Freshmen
One of the exciting aspects of Tennessee’s 2025 season is the influx of young talent. Several incoming freshmen and transfers are expected to compete for starting roles. These new players, including some standout recruits, will be expected to step in and contribute immediately. The development of these players will be critical for the Volunteers to maintain their competitive edge in the SEC. If these newcomers can adapt quickly to the demands of college baseball, Tennessee’s depth will be even more formidable.
Tennessee’s SEC Schedule and Key Matchups
The SEC remains the most competitive conference in college baseball, and Tennessee’s 2025 schedule will be challenging, to say the least. The Volunteers will face off against powerhouses like LSU, Arkansas, and Vanderbilt, all of whom will be looking to secure a national seed and push for a College World Series berth. Tennessee will need to perform at a high level throughout the season to secure a favorable spot in the postseason.
Key matchups will include their home and away series against rivals like Florida, Texas A&M, and South Carolina, where the intensity will be palpable. These games will be crucial in determining both SEC standings and NCAA Tournament seeding. Given the competitiveness of the conference, Tennessee cannot afford to take any games lightly, especially against teams that are equally capable of making a deep postseason run.
Conclusion: The 2025 Outlook for Tennessee Baseball
As the 2025 season approaches, the Tennessee Volunteers baseball team enters with a mixture of experienced players, elite talent, and high expectations. With a dominant pitching staff, a powerful lineup, and a strong defense, the Volunteers have the pieces in place to make another deep run in the NCAA Tournament and contend for a national championship.
While challenges will certainly arise, particularly with the intense competition in the SEC, the Volunteers’ talent and experience make them one of the teams to watch in 2025. If the team can stay healthy, develop chemistry, and execute in key moments, Tennessee baseball will remain a contender for years to come, with 2025 shaping up to be another exciting chapter in the program’s ascent to the top of college baseball.