Tennessee Vols Baseball Previews 2026 Season Opener

Head coach Josh Elander and players discuss expectations ahead of first game

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Tennessee head coach Josh Elander and two UT players, left-handed pitcher Evan Blanco and catcher Stone Lawless, met with the media on Monday morning in Knoxville to preview the Vols' upcoming 2026 baseball season. They discussed player and roster updates, how the team handled the offseason, Tennessee's starting pitching plan for the opening weekend series against Nicholls, and more.

Why it matters

As one of the top college baseball programs in the country, Tennessee's season opener is highly anticipated by fans and media alike. The Vols are looking to build on their success from last season and make a deep postseason run in 2026.

The details

Tennessee will host Nicholls in a three-game series to kick off the 2026 season, beginning this Friday afternoon at 4:30 p.m. ET on SEC Network+. Head coach Josh Elander provided updates on the team's roster and plans for the starting rotation in the opening weekend. Elander was joined by left-handed pitcher Evan Blanco and catcher Stone Lawless, who answered questions from the media as well.

  • The press conference took place on Monday morning in Knoxville.
  • The Vols' season opener against Nicholls is this Friday, February 14, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. ET.

The players

Josh Elander

The head coach of the Tennessee Vols baseball team.

Evan Blanco

A left-handed pitcher for the Tennessee Vols baseball team.

Stone Lawless

The catcher for the Tennessee Vols baseball team.

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