The Vols overcome the Golden Eagles and face the Aggies in the rematch for the CWS final series.
The Tennessee Volunteers, known colloquially as the “Vols,” have long been a dominant force in collegiate athletics, but their path to glory often sees them facing off against some of the most formidable opponents in college baseball. The Golden Eagles of Southern Miss were the first obstacle in the 2025 College World Series (CWS) for the Vols, and though the Golden Eagles put up a strong fight, Tennessee’s resilience and depth proved too much to overcome. After clinching their victory, the Volunteers are now set to face the Texas A&M Aggies in a highly anticipated rematch in the CWS final series, a battle for ultimate supremacy in the world of college baseball.
The Tennessee Volunteers: A Team Built for the Spotlight
Tennessee’s baseball program has been a consistent contender for years, always present in the conversation about elite college teams. This year, however, the Vols have looked particularly dangerous. Their pitching staff, a blend of experienced upperclassmen and emerging stars, has been their bedrock, with ace pitchers capable of shutting down even the most potent offenses in college baseball. The team’s batting lineup is equally formidable, with power hitters who can hit for average and speedsters who can disrupt defenses.
What sets Tennessee apart, however, is its mental fortitude. They have a culture of excellence fostered by head coach Tony Vitello, who has brought a swagger and competitiveness to the program that has made them nearly unstoppable when they hit their stride. The Vols’ unflappable demeanor and their ability to thrive under pressure made them dangerous in every matchup leading into the CWS finals.
Southern Miss Golden Eagles: A Tough Challenge
The Golden Eagles of Southern Miss are not a team that should be taken lightly. Head coach Scott Berry has cultivated a culture of toughness in his squad, and they have been known for their scrappy play and relentless effort. With a solid pitching staff, strong defense, and a lineup that could hit for power or get on base through small-ball tactics, Southern Miss had the potential to upset any team.
Throughout their tournament run, Southern Miss displayed a never-say-die attitude that earned them a trip to Omaha, and they were intent on making their mark. Facing the Vols in the CWS was an enormous challenge, but the Golden Eagles came into the game with a chip on their shoulder, determined to prove they could stand toe-to-toe with the SEC powerhouse.
Despite their grit and determination, the Golden Eagles simply didn’t have enough to hold off the Vols. Tennessee’s balanced attack proved to be overwhelming, as their combination of solid pitching, timely hitting, and aggressive base running ultimately wore down Southern Miss. Although the Golden Eagles were able to make things interesting in certain moments, the Vols’ depth and experience shined through, allowing Tennessee to clinch a hard-fought victory.
Tennessee’s Victory: A Hard-Earned Triumph
The CWS matchup between the Vols and the Golden Eagles was never going to be an easy one. From the first pitch, Tennessee showed why they were one of the top teams in the nation, using aggressive base running and patient at-bats to work through Southern Miss’s pitching staff. Their pitching staff, led by their ace, dominated the Golden Eagles’ lineup, stifling any attempts to mount a comeback.
Despite a couple of tense moments, where Southern Miss threatened to get something going, Tennessee’s defense and bullpen came up clutch. In particular, the Volunteers’ bullpen was instrumental in holding down the fort in the late innings, as the Golden Eagles’ offense could not get a rally going when it mattered most.
The game ended with a sense of inevitability—Tennessee had taken control and refused to let go. The Vols’ offense piled on in the late innings, breaking open what had been a close contest, ensuring their spot in the CWS finals. While the Golden Eagles fought hard, it was clear that Tennessee was the stronger team, and the win set the stage for the final showdown.
The Aggies: A Rematch for the Ages
Having dispatched the Golden Eagles, Tennessee now faces the Texas A&M Aggies in what promises to be an unforgettable rematch for the CWS title. The Aggies, like the Volunteers, are a powerhouse team, and their road to the finals has been equally impressive. Texas A&M has had a strong season, marked by explosive offense, clutch pitching performances, and an ability to perform under pressure.
For the Aggies, this CWS finals series is a chance for redemption. In a previous meeting earlier in the season, Tennessee bested Texas A&M in a hard-fought series that had left the Aggies with a bitter taste. That series showcased the strength of both teams but ultimately gave the Vols the upper hand. Now, Texas A&M has had months to prepare and adjust, and they will come into this matchup with one goal: to take down Tennessee and claim the coveted national championship.
The rematch between Tennessee and Texas A&M is a collision of two of the most dynamic programs in college baseball. Both teams have depth, talent, and a shared desire to prove they are the best in the nation. For Tennessee, this series represents an opportunity to cement their place in history as one of the most dominant college baseball teams of the decade, but for Texas A&M, it’s a chance to erase the past and finish what they started.
Keys to the CWS Finals: What’s at Stake?
The series is set to be a thrilling, high-stakes showdown with several key factors that will determine who comes out on top.
Pitching Depth
Tennessee’s pitching staff has been the backbone of their success all year long, but Texas A&M’s pitching rotation is no slouch either. The Vols will rely on their ace to neutralize the Aggies’ batters, but Texas A&M will counter with a formidable rotation of their own. Both teams have deep bullpens, and how each manager uses his pitchers in the high-pressure environment of the CWS final will play a huge role in deciding the outcome.
Offensive Firepower
Both teams have explosive offenses, but they come at the game from different angles. Tennessee has a lineup that can produce big innings, with powerful bats capable of hitting home runs, but also players who excel at moving the line and getting on base. Meanwhile, Texas A&M’s offense is more contact-oriented, with an emphasis on hitting for average and working counts. The key will be which team can impose their will on the opposing pitchers and manufacture runs when the game gets tight.
Defensive Execution
In a series as closely matched as this, every little mistake counts. Both teams have solid defensive units, but a single error or miscommunication could be the difference in the outcome. Tennessee’s defense has been nearly flawless all season, but they will need to continue that level of play if they hope to slow down Texas A&M’s aggressive base running and ability to take extra bases.
Intangibles
The mental game will play a huge role in this series. Tennessee has shown time and again that they can handle the pressure of big moments, but Texas A&M has similarly proven that they are a team that rises to the occasion when it counts. How each team handles adversity in the heat of battle will ultimately determine who takes home the trophy.
A Battle for Glory
The College World Series final between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Texas A&M Aggies is shaping up to be a clash of titans, with both teams poised to deliver a thrilling series that will be remembered for years to come. For Tennessee, the chance to win a national title and solidify their place among the best programs in college baseball history is within their grasp. For Texas A&M, the opportunity to avenge their earlier season loss and take home the crown is too good to pass up.
Whatever the outcome, this final series is sure to provide fans with a spectacle of college baseball at its finest—high-stakes drama, incredible talent, and a level of passion that only the College World Series can deliver. With so much on the line, it will come down to who executes better, who rises to the occasion, and who has that little extra bit of grit to claim the ultimate prize in college baseball.