Tennessee Baseball Hosts No. 25 Ole Miss in Key SEC Matchup

Vols look to gain ground in crowded SEC standings against Rebels

Apr. 17, 2026 at 1:40pm

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A fractured, geometric painting in bold colors depicting the dynamic action of a college baseball game, with players and the field deconstructed into sharp, overlapping planes.A cubist interpretation of the high-stakes SEC baseball matchup between Tennessee and Ole Miss.Gainesville Today

The Tennessee Volunteers baseball team will host the No. 25 Ole Miss Rebels in a crucial SEC weekend series. Both teams are currently in the middle of the SEC standings, making this a key matchup that could have major implications for their postseason hopes. The Vols will send their top three starters to the mound, while Ole Miss counters with a solid rotation of its own.

Why it matters

This series is important for both teams as they look to gain ground in the highly competitive SEC. With nine teams currently sitting at either 7-8 or 8-7 in conference play, the results of this weekend could have a significant impact on the final SEC standings and each team's chances of making the NCAA Tournament.

The details

Tennessee will start right-handers Landon Mack, Tegan Kuhns, and left-hander Evan Blanco against Ole Miss' left-hander Hunter Elliott, right-hander Cade Townsend, and right-hander Taylor Rabe. The Vols are hoping to get a boost from the potential return of infielder Stone Lawless, who has been sidelined with a facial injury but could be available off the bench this weekend.

  • The series opener is set for Friday, April 17 at 6:30 p.m. ET.
  • Game two is scheduled for Saturday, April 18 at 6 p.m. ET.
  • The series finale will take place on Sunday, April 19 at 1 p.m. ET.

The players

Landon Mack

Tennessee's right-handed starting pitcher with a 3-2 record, 3.75 ERA, and 64 strikeouts in 48 innings.

Hunter Elliott

Ole Miss' left-handed starting pitcher with a 3-1 record, 3.69 ERA, and 68 strikeouts in 46.1 innings.

Stone Lawless

Tennessee infielder who has been sidelined with a facial injury but could return to the lineup as a pinch hitter this weekend.

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What they’re saying

“We're excited to host Ole Miss in what should be a great SEC series. Both teams are playing well and it's going to be an important weekend for our postseason hopes.”

— Josh Elander, Tennessee Head Coach

What’s next

If Tennessee can take this series against the ranked Rebels, it would be a major boost to their NCAA Tournament resume and help them climb up the crowded SEC standings.

The takeaway

This weekend's Tennessee-Ole Miss series is a crucial matchup between two teams looking to gain ground in the highly competitive SEC. With both squads currently in the middle of the conference standings, the outcome could have significant implications for their postseason aspirations.