Tennessee baseball is a day away from opening up its 20226 season at Lindsey Nelson Stadium. Over the last few days, we’ve previewed Tennessee’s lineup and pitching staff.
Today, we conclude our season previews with some fun stuff, season record and accolades predictions.
Schedule Preview
Tennessee’s non conference schedule is a bit harder this season than its been in the past but still isn’t super difficult. The Vols open the year with Nicholls and then face a Kent State team that could very well win the MAC and make the NCAA Tournament. Tennessee then heads to Arlington to play three games including against preseason No. 2 UCLA as well as Arizona State and Virginia Tech.
The Vols’ SEC slate is somewhat reminiscent of football. Tennessee plays the top teams in the league and a lot of teams projected to be at the bottom. They play series against teams predicted to finish first, second, third, eighth, ninth, 10th, 11th, 12th, 14th and 16th.
Tennessee gets two of the top three teams — LSU and Texas — at home while going on the road to face Mississippi State as well as Vanderbilt and Georgia. This team should compete to be a top eight national seed and have a chance make it to Omaha.
Regular Season Record Prediction: 40-16 (18-12 SEC)
More From RTI: Tennessee Baseball 2026 Season Lineup Preview
Accolades
Team MVP
Brandon Arvidson: This could go in a number of directions but let’s roll with Brandon Arvidson. The left-handed pitcher was one of the biggest surprises of the offseason when he turned down the MLB Draft to return to Tennessee for one more season. Arvidson has some arm soreness currently and will be limited to begin the year. But the former JUCO transfer is going to be one of Tennessee’s most used arms and the Vols will likely use him in multiple roles. He’s going to be dominant and an incredibly important piece for this team.
Top Newcomer
Henry Ford: The prize of Tennessee’s transfer class, Henry Ford chose the Vols over Mississippi State and the MLB Draft last summer. He could start at either third base or left field and will be at the top or in the middle of Tennessee’s lineup. He’s going to hit for both power and average and be one of the most important pieces on this team. He has a strong argument for team MVP.
Home Run Leader
Blaine Brown: Brown hit 10 home runs and 12 doubles in 209 at-bats as a true freshman at Rice a season ago, and looks poised for even more this season. The left-handed slugger was one of Tennessee’s best players all offseason and will flirt with 20 home runs. Ford and Levi Clark will also compete for a team-high in home runs.
Batting Average Leader
Henry Ford: Ford hit .362 a season ago at Virginia and was a career .348 hitter as a two-year starter for the Cavaliers. The versatile position player followed it up with a strong fall and preseason and looks poised to be the next Tennessee plug-and-play transfer star for Vol baseball. Maybe an Ariel Antigua breakout season or big Levi Clark year could make a push, but I’ll take Ford.
Weekend Starters
Tegan Kuhns, Landon Mack, Evan Blanco
Josh Elander said earlier this week that this group will begin the season as the weekend rotation. All three have starting experience. Kuhns and Mack have extremely high ceilings while Blanco was the ace of the 2024 Virginia team that made the College World Series. Arvidson could very well end up in the weekend rotation, but I’ll keep my prediction with what the season will start with.
Top Bullpen Arm
Bo Rhudy: This would be Arvidson if he sticks in the bullpen but we’ve already talked about him, so let’s pivot to Bo Rhudy. The Kennesaw State right-handed pitcher transfer has a deceptive and highly effective fastball and was one of Tennessee’s most consistent pitchers all fall. He’s going to be one of the Vols’ most used bullpen arms and could prove to be one of their better arms.
Breakout Bat
Levi Clark: Clark started his freshman season fast before hitting a slump to start SEC play. But Clark found his footing late in the season, locking down a starting job and playing well down the stretch. Clark raked all offseason and could end up being Tennessee’s most complete hitter. The sophomore will spend most his time at first.base after catching and playing left field for most his freshman season.
Breakout Arm
Tegan Kuhns: Breakout arm is a bit more simple when Tennessee has just four returning pitchers from last season’s team. Nic Abraham could maybe earn a much bigger role, but Kuhns is the guy the Vols need to be much better this season. Kuhns has the talent of a first round pick. I’ll pick him to get close to his potential and be a good weekend starter.
X-Factor
Blake Grimmer: Grimmer is only a fringe starter, but he has serious pop in his bat and a good eye. If Grimmer proves he can continue success into SEC play, he could be a middle of the order bat that changes the dynamic for Tennessee. It would also help balance out the Vols’ lineup with another left-handed bat.
A Bold Prediction
Evan Blanco posts the lowest ERA of Tennessee’s starting rotation: Blanco has the lowest ceiling of Tennessee’s starting rotation, but he’s a fierce competitor and just produces. He’s going to be one of the Vols’ most steady pitchers. I’ll predict him to post the best ERA of the starting rotation.
