UC Irvine transfer left-handed pitcher Ricky Ojeda committed to Tennessee baseball on Friday night, he announced on Instagram. Ojeda committed to the Vols following an official visit earlier in the week.
Ojeda is coming off a strong junior season where he posted a 3-3 record, 3.77 ERA and 1.13 WHIP in 62 innings pitched. The Anteaters used Ojeda as both a starter and reliever. He made seven starts and 11 relief appearances during the 2026 season.
The Valencia, California native has spent the first three years of his college career at UC Irvine where he’s had a major role in the Anteaters bullpen all three seasons. Ojeda posted a 3.46 ERA in 52 innings pitched as a freshman and a 3.55 ERA in 66 innings pitched as a sophomore. He made 29 total appearances in his high-usage junior season.
Having completed three collegiate seasons, Ojeda will be eligible for this July’s MLB Draft and could potentially not make it to Tennessee.
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Ojeda is the fourth transfer to commit to Tennessee baseball this offseason, joining Mercer two-way Braydon Kersey, Air Force infielder Wyatt Hanoian and Northwestern State left-handed pitcher Brody Trosclair.
Sixteen Tennessee players have entered the transfer portal this offseason including infielder Ethan Moore first baseman Evan Hankins, right-handed pitcher Nic Abraham, outfielder Nate Eisfelder, shortstop Manny Marin, utility man Jay Abernathy, catcher Cash Williams, infielder Finley Bates, shortstop Ariel Antigua, utility man Hunter High, utility man Chris Newstrom, outfielder Hutson Chance, right-handed pitcher Brayden Krenzel, two-way Taylor Tracey, right-handed pitcher Sawyer Deering and right-handed pitcher Ari Bethea.
A number of Tennessee players have announced intentions to return for next season including outfielder Blaine Brown, RHP Landon Mack, LHP Cam Appenzeller, first baseman Levi Clark, catcher Trent Grindlinger, catcher Stone Lawless and LHP Will Haas.
