Tennessee Vols Launch 2025 Baseball Season Against Hofstra Friday

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The University of Tennessee‘s baseball team, ranked No. 2 nationally, will officially kick off its 2025 season on Friday, February 14, at 4:30 p.m. EST. The Vols will host Hofstra University in the opening game of a three-game nonconference series at Lindsey Nelson Stadium.

This highly anticipated matchup will mark the first-ever meeting between the Volunteers and the Pride. In honor of the season opener, the first 1,500 fans through the gates will receive a commemorative card celebrating Tennessee’s historic 2024 College World Series championship.

The opening day lineup was announced earlier today by Tennessee head coach Tony Vitello, who is eager to build on last season’s success. Key players in the lineup include sophomore shortstop Dean Curley, junior second baseman Gavin Kilen, and senior centerfielder Hunter Ensley, who will bat third. Cleanup hitter Andrew Fischer will start at first base. The designated hitter, Cannon Peebles, rounds out the batting order.

On the mound, Tennessee is set to feature left-handed pitcher Liam Doyle, an Ole Miss transfer, in Game 1 against Hofstra’s left-handed pitcher Jackson Bauer. Game 2 will showcase right-handed pitcher Marcus Phillips against Hofstra’s right-handed pitcher Tristan Nemjo, while the Game 3 matchup remains to be determined. All three games will be available for viewing on the SEC Network.

Last season, Tennessee achieved a groundbreaking milestone as they captured their first College World Series title, finishing with an impressive 60-13 record. This was the first time a Southeastern Conference (SEC) team surpassed the 60-win mark in a single season. The Vols’ remarkable postseason journey included a historic comeback from being down 0-1 in the championship series against Texas A&M. Coach Vitello expressed his optimism for the new season, citing the team’s solid foundation and the integration of fresh talent.

Hofstra, under head coach Frank Catalanotto, ended its 2024 season with a 24-33 record and a 13-14 finish in the Coastal Athletic Association. With a significant roster overhaul, including 18 freshmen and only two returning everyday players, the Pride is entering this season with a pre-season ranking of No. 9 in their league.

Tennessee’s fanbase is set to fill the stands at Lindsey Nelson Stadium, eager to support the team as they seek to start the season on a high note. As excitement builds for the opener, both players and fans are ready for an exhilarating season ahead.