Diamond Vols Podcast: SEC Play Arrives with Showdown Between No. 2 Tennessee and No. 7 Florida

As the 2025 college baseball season ramps up, the stakes are already high for the Tennessee Volunteers as they prepare for one of the most highly anticipated SEC matchups of the season against Florida. With both teams sitting near the top of the rankings—Tennessee at No. 2 and Florida at No. 7—this series promises to be a thrilling contest that will not only shape the early standings in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) but also set the tone for the rest of the season.

In this edition of the Diamond Vols Podcast, we break down the significance of this matchup, highlight key players and storylines to watch, and discuss what both teams will need to do to come out on top in this highly competitive SEC showdown. Tennessee and Florida have a long history of competitive baseball, and this year’s series has all the makings of an intense, hard-fought battle between two of the SEC’s elite programs.

The Importance of SEC Play

The arrival of SEC play marks a crucial point in the college baseball season. While non-conference games are important for building team chemistry, refining skills, and securing resume-building wins, SEC play is where the true tests begin. With the level of competition in the SEC being as high as it is, each game becomes a critical opportunity to prove oneself and make a statement in the conference.

For Tennessee, currently ranked No. 2 in the nation, this series against Florida is an opportunity to solidify its dominance in the SEC and continue building momentum toward the postseason. The Vols have been on an impressive run during their non-conference games, but now that the SEC schedule has arrived, the competition will undoubtedly be fiercer.

For Florida, ranked No. 7, this series represents a chance to prove they belong in the upper echelon of college baseball. The Gators have been solid but have faced some adversity in the non-conference slate. This series gives them a chance to make a statement against one of the top teams in the country, particularly on the road in a challenging environment.

This SEC showdown could also have significant implications for the teams’ rankings. A series win for either team would not only boost their standing in the SEC but would also elevate them in the national rankings, potentially enhancing their chances of securing a top seed in the postseason.

Tennessee’s Strong Start to the Season

Tennessee has started the 2025 season with a bang. The Volunteers have been firing on all cylinders, boasting a top-tier offense, a solid pitching staff, and a defense that has been making the routine plays when it matters most. Head coach Tony Vitello has once again assembled a highly talented squad, one that includes both veteran players and promising underclassmen who have already shown flashes of brilliance.

Key Players to Watch:

Chase Burns (Pitching): As Tennessee’s ace, Burns is one of the best pitchers in the nation. His fastball routinely hits the mid-90s, and he pairs it with a devastating slider that has proven difficult for opposing hitters to handle. Burns has been a key figure in Tennessee’s pitching staff, and his ability to shut down Florida’s potent lineup will be a key factor in this series.
Dylan Dreiling (Outfield): Dreiling has been a standout player for Tennessee, offering power from the plate and speed on the base paths. His ability to get on base and produce runs will be crucial in keeping the offense moving against Florida’s pitchers. Dreiling’s bat could be the difference-maker in tight games.
Zane Denton (Infield): Denton has been a consistent performer at the plate and has provided a steady presence in the infield. His defense at shortstop has been reliable, and his bat has added much-needed pop to Tennessee’s offense. Denton will need to continue to produce both at the plate and in the field to help Tennessee take control of the series.

Offensive Strengths:

Tennessee’s offense has been nothing short of explosive to start the season. The Vols have one of the most dangerous lineups in college baseball, featuring players who can hit for both average and power. Players like Jordan Beck, Blake Burke, and Drew Gilbert have all contributed to Tennessee’s offensive success, combining power and contact ability to keep opposing pitchers on edge.

Head coach Tony Vitello has instilled a philosophy of aggressive, hard-hitting baseball, and Tennessee has lived up to that approach this season. The Vols are known for putting pressure on pitchers early and often, and their offensive depth means that opposing teams can’t afford to overlook anyone in the lineup. The power-hitting and ability to manufacture runs through aggressive baserunning and situational hitting are all strengths that Tennessee will look to lean on in this series against Florida.

Pitching Depth:

Tennessee’s pitching staff, led by ace Chase Burns, has been one of the strongest in the nation. Burns is backed by a deep bullpen that includes several strong arms capable of coming in and closing out games. Tennessee’s pitching has been consistently solid, but facing a high-powered offense like Florida’s will put that depth to the test. For Tennessee to take the series, the pitching staff must continue to keep the game in check and avoid giving Florida easy scoring opportunities.

Florida’s Strengths and Key Players

Florida, like Tennessee, has a strong baseball program and is always a threat in SEC play. Under head coach Kevin O’Sullivan, the Gators have developed a reputation for fielding competitive teams that are capable of winning the SEC and advancing deep into the postseason. This year, Florida enters the season ranked No. 7 in the country, and they have the talent to compete with any team in college baseball.

Key Players to Watch:

Brandon Sproat (Pitching): Sproat has been a key part of Florida’s pitching staff and has the potential to dominate opposing lineups with his ability to mix speeds and hit his spots. A high draft prospect, Sproat is expected to be Florida’s ace in this series and will play a significant role in determining the outcome. Tennessee’s hitters will need to be patient and selective against him.
Jac Caglianone (First Base): Caglianone is a standout player for Florida and has been one of the top performers in the SEC. His bat has been explosive, and he has the ability to hit for both power and average. Caglianone’s production in the heart of the Florida lineup will be a key factor in the series.
Josh Rivera (Shortstop): Rivera is a dynamic infielder who has been one of the most consistent contributors for Florida. His ability to hit for average and his solid defense at shortstop make him one of the most well-rounded players on the team. Tennessee will need to be cautious of his ability to spark Florida’s offense.

Offensive Power:

Florida has a deep, powerful lineup that can score runs in bunches. Players like Caglianone, Rivera, and Sterling Thompson give Florida the ability to hit the ball out of the park or drive in runs with power to all fields. Florida is particularly dangerous when they get on base and are able to work their way into scoring positions. The Gators’ ability to hit with runners in scoring position will be a key factor to watch as the series progresses.

Florida’s lineup is known for being aggressive, which means Tennessee’s pitchers will need to execute pitches and avoid mistakes over the middle of the plate. The Gators’ power and ability to generate extra-base hits could make them a formidable opponent for the Volunteers, so maintaining pitching control will be crucial.

Keys to the Series: What Tennessee Needs to Do

1. Execute on the Mound

For Tennessee to have success in this series, their pitchers must continue to execute their game plans. Chase Burns will likely face Florida’s best hitters early, and his ability to get ahead in counts and keep the Gators off-balance will be key. Additionally, Tennessee’s bullpen will need to step up and provide reliable relief when needed. Limiting free passes and minimizing damage in high-leverage situations will be critical.

2. Capitalizing on Florida’s Mistakes

Both teams are known for their aggressive styles of play, but Tennessee must take advantage of any mistakes Florida makes in the field or on the basepaths. Whether it’s aggressive baserunning, taking extra bases, or capitalizing on fielding errors, Tennessee’s ability to make the most of Florida’s mistakes will play a significant role in their chances of winning the series.

3. Key at-Bats in Key Moments

Tennessee has several hitters capable of coming up with clutch hits in critical moments, and that will be crucial in this series. Whether it’s coming through with two outs, getting a big RBI with runners in scoring position, or hitting the ball hard when it matters, Tennessee needs to find ways to consistently put runs on the board. The Vols will have to be patient at the plate and avoid chasing bad pitches.