Three Tennessee Pitchers Named to Stopper of the Year Watch List

Brandon Arvidson, Brady Frederick, and Bo Rhudy recognized by NCBWA for their relief efforts

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) has named three Tennessee Volunteers pitchers - Brandon Arvidson, Brady Frederick, and Bo Rhudy - to their Preseason Stopper of the Year Watch List. The trio will look to lead the Vols' bullpen as the team prepares to open the 2026 season.

Why it matters

Tennessee's baseball program has high expectations for the upcoming season, and the recognition of these three relief pitchers on the prestigious Stopper of the Year Watch List is a testament to the team's depth and talent on the mound. Strong bullpen arms are crucial for a team's success, and the Vols appear to have three of the best in the country heading into the new campaign.

The details

Brandon Arvidson, a senior left-hander, had a standout 2025 season, posting a 2-0 record with a 4.19 ERA and 70 strikeouts in 38.2 innings. Brady Frederick, a junior transfer from East Tennessee State, was dominant in 2025, going 8-2 with a 2.67 ERA and 76 strikeouts in 77.2 innings. Bo Rhudy, a transfer from Kennesaw State, had a 2-0 record with a 3.16 ERA and 44 strikeouts in 37 innings last season.

  • The NCBWA unveiled their Preseason Stopper of the Year Watch List on Monday, February 10, 2026.
  • Tennessee is set to open their 2026 season on Friday, February 13, 2026 against Nicholls.

The players

Brandon Arvidson

A senior left-handed pitcher for the Tennessee Volunteers who had a 2-0 record and 4.19 ERA with 70 strikeouts in 38.2 innings in 2025.

Brady Frederick

A junior right-handed transfer pitcher from East Tennessee State who had an 8-2 record with a 2.67 ERA and 76 strikeouts in 77.2 innings in 2025.

Bo Rhudy

A transfer right-handed pitcher from Kennesaw State who had a 2-0 record with a 3.16 ERA and 44 strikeouts in 37 innings in 2025.

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What’s next

The Volunteers will open their 2026 season on Friday, February 13 against Nicholls as they look to build on their success from the previous year.

The takeaway

Tennessee's deep and talented bullpen, led by Arvidson, Frederick, and Rhudy, will be a key strength for the team as they aim to contend for a conference title and make a deep postseason run in 2026.