As people around the world open presents and celebrate Christmas today, Tennessee baseball is in a rare slow part of the year. But before long, the Vols will be at Lindsey Nelson Stadium on cold winter days beginning their prep for the 2026 season.
Here’s three things on Tennessee baseball’s Christmas wish list.
More From RTI: A Look At Josh Elander’s Inaugural Tennessee Baseball Staff
Sophomore Jumps Forward
With Josh Elander as an assistant coach running the offense, the Vols constantly had breakout stars at the plate. This Tennessee team has a quartet of sophomores— Levi Clark, Manny Marin, Chris Newstrom and Jay Abernathy— who all earned real playing time as freshmen.
For the Vols’ offense to be elite, they need all four guys to be solid players and for one or two to become stars in their sophomore seasons.
Brandon Arvidson Being A High-Level Ace
Tennessee has big shoes to replace in ace Liam Doyle. The former Ole Miss transfer was the SEC Pitcher of the Year last season and was a steadying force on a Tennessee team that wobbled the back half of SEC play.
It’s not clear who will be Tennessee’s ace this season, but I’m wagering its Brandon Arvidson. The former JUCO transfer was phenomenal out of the bullpen the final month of the season for Tennessee mostly pitching in long relief.
Arvidson followed it up by surprisingly returning for his senior season and dominating during fall practice. The left-handed pitcher has the talent and the experience to be one of the SEC’s best pitchers.
Virginia Transfers Perform Like Stars
Tennessee added a pair of Virginia transfers this offseason after Cavaliers head coach Brian O’Connor bolted for Mississippi State. The way utility man Henry Ford and left-handed pitcher Evan Blanco performed this fall could have Volunteer fans hooting Wa Hoo Wa.
Ford produced like a star last season at Virginia. Tennessee is lacking a proven star in the middle of the lineup. They need Ford to be that bat in the middle of the lineup that strikes fear in opponents.
Blanco was the Friday night ace on Virginia’s College World Series team in 2024 before injuries shortened his 2025 season and led to him struggling. This fall, Blanco was great. He could give Tennessee a high-level weekend starting rotation.
