Dean Curley’s 2025 Tennessee baseball preview

Dean Curley’s 2025 Tennessee Baseball Preview: A Season of Redemption and Opportunity

As the 2025 college baseball season looms, the Tennessee Volunteers find themselves at a critical juncture in their program’s history. Under the guidance of head coach Tony Vitello, the Volunteers have made great strides in recent years, building a program that competes at the highest level of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and on the national stage. With the 2025 season on the horizon, expectations are again high for a team that is aiming to erase the disappointments of past seasons, including their underwhelming performance in the 2024 College World Series (CWS).

At the helm of this exciting season is Dean Curley, a player who has quickly become a fan favorite and a key figure for Tennessee’s baseball program. Curley, whose leadership and skill are well-respected, will be looking to guide the Volunteers to success in a competitive SEC and beyond. But in a year marked by high expectations, the 2025 Tennessee baseball season is poised to test the program’s resilience, adaptability, and overall potential.

In this 2025 preview, we will take a comprehensive look at Tennessee’s roster, coaching staff, key storylines, and what fans can expect as the Volunteers aim for a successful and, perhaps, redemptive season.

A Look Back: The 2024 Disappointment

Before we dive into what’s ahead for Tennessee baseball, it’s important to understand the context of what the team is coming off of. The 2024 season was one that promised much but ultimately ended in disappointment. Despite having a talented roster and expectations of a deep run in the NCAA tournament, Tennessee faltered in key moments, particularly during the postseason. Their early exit from the NCAA tournament left fans frustrated and questioning whether the Volunteers could finally break through and claim the elusive College World Series title.

For head coach Tony Vitello, the 2024 season was a reminder of the unpredictable nature of college baseball. Despite having star power on both sides of the ball, Tennessee’s inconsistent pitching and lack of timely hitting were exposed under the spotlight. The failure to capitalize on key opportunities during critical moments of the postseason raised questions about the mental toughness of the squad.

However, the loss did not mark the end of Tennessee’s aspirations. Instead, it served as a wake-up call—a chance to reevaluate and improve. The 2025 season is an opportunity for redemption, and with key players returning and fresh talent entering the fold, Tennessee enters the season with a renewed focus on both improving execution and achieving a greater level of postseason success.

Coach Tony Vitello: Continuing the Tradition of Excellence

As Tennessee’s head coach, Tony Vitello has transformed the Volunteers into a competitive force in the SEC and across the nation. His recruiting prowess and ability to develop talent have been essential to the program’s rise to prominence, but it is Vitello’s leadership that has kept the team in contention year after year. With Vitello at the helm, Tennessee has consistently been one of the most competitive teams in the SEC, and their expectations for 2025 are no different.

Vitello’s approach to coaching combines a mix of player development, a high-energy playing style, and strategic in-game management. His ability to adapt to challenges and keep players focused on the task at hand will be critical in 2025, especially after the disappointment of the 2024 season. In many ways, this season is a chance for Vitello to prove that the program is ready to take the next step in their journey—one that culminates in a College World Series appearance and possibly even a national championship.

Key Returners: The Foundation of Tennessee’s Success

While 2025 is a season that brings a new batch of talented recruits, the Volunteers also bring back several key returners who will be crucial to the team’s success. These players are the core of Tennessee’s ambitions, and they will play a significant role in leading the team through both the grueling SEC schedule and the postseason.

1. Dean Curley (OF/INF)
Perhaps no player embodies the spirit of Tennessee baseball more than Dean Curley. A dynamic offensive player and a leader in the clubhouse, Curley has quickly become one of the Volunteers’ most valuable assets. Curley’s ability to get on base, hit for power, and make plays in the field make him one of the most versatile players on the roster. As one of the team’s captains, Curley is not only expected to lead by example but also to elevate his teammates when the stakes are highest.

In 2024, Curley showed flashes of brilliance, but consistency remained an issue at times. Heading into 2025, Curley will need to step up his game, particularly in clutch situations, as Tennessee’s success will heavily rely on his leadership both on and off the field.

2. Chase Burns (SP)
Tennessee’s pitching staff will be anchored by the return of ace Chase Burns, who has the stuff to be one of the best pitchers in the SEC. Burns has the ability to dominate hitters with a fastball that consistently sits in the mid-90s and an array of off-speed pitches that can keep batters guessing. His performance in the postseason will be crucial to Tennessee’s aspirations, as having a reliable ace can make all the difference in tournament play. Burns’ ability to go deep into games and maintain control will be a key storyline heading into 2025.

3. Zane Denton (INF)
Zane Denton has been a steady force for Tennessee at the plate and in the field. His bat is one that can change the course of a game, and he will be expected to provide much-needed power and run production in 2025. Denton has the ability to hit for both average and power, making him a dangerous threat in Tennessee’s lineup. His leadership in the infield and his ability to turn key double plays will also be crucial to the Volunteers’ success.

4. Christian Moore (OF)
Christian Moore, one of the most exciting young players on the roster, is expected to take another step forward in 2025. Moore’s athleticism and offensive talent have made him one of the most promising players on Tennessee’s roster. He has the potential to be a game-changer, both at the plate and in the field. With a full season of experience under his belt, Moore’s growth in 2025 will be key to the Volunteers’ success as they look to return to Omaha and beyond.

New Faces: Fresh Talent Ready to Make an Impact

While Tennessee’s returning players will form the core of the 2025 squad, there are also several incoming recruits and transfers who will have a chance to make an immediate impact. Vitello’s ability to recruit top-tier talent has been a hallmark of his tenure, and the 2025 season will feature several new faces who are expected to contribute right away.

1. Freshman Infielders and Outfielders
Tennessee’s incoming freshmen bring a wealth of talent, particularly in the infield and outfield. These young players will be expected to step in and provide depth and production immediately. Whether it’s a freshman infielder who can step in and shore up Tennessee’s defense or a highly touted outfielder capable of hitting for power, the newcomers will be counted on to provide the added spark needed for a successful season.

2. Transfers to Boost the Pitching Staff
In addition to the freshmen, Tennessee has also brought in several key transfer pitchers to bolster their pitching depth. These transfers are expected to provide immediate assistance, particularly in the bullpen, and could allow the Volunteers to have a more stable pitching rotation and depth chart as the season progresses.

SEC: A Grueling Path to Omaha

Tennessee’s path to Omaha in 2025 will not be an easy one. As is the case every year, the Southeastern Conference will be one of the most competitive conferences in college baseball. Programs like LSU, Arkansas, Vanderbilt, and Florida will provide stiff competition, and Tennessee will have to navigate through the SEC’s grueling schedule to earn a spot in the postseason.

The Volunteers will face a number of tough tests throughout the season, and every series in the SEC will feel like a playoff series. Tennessee’s ability to handle the pressure and perform consistently will be key to their success, not only in the regular season but also in the SEC Tournament. With an eye on earning a national seed for the NCAA Tournament, the Volunteers will need to prove that they can compete against the best and secure victories when it counts.

Key Storylines for 2025

1. Can Tennessee’s Pitching Staff Bounce Back?
After a rough 2024 postseason, the Volunteers will look to their pitching staff to take them deeper into the NCAA Tournament in 2025. With a strong group of returning pitchers like Chase Burns and several talented transfers, Tennessee will look for consistency and control from their mound staff. The ability to manage high-pressure situations and provide strong outings in big games will be critical.

2. Hitting for Consistency and Power
While Tennessee’s offense was potent at times in 2024, it often struggled to find consistency in clutch moments. The Volunteers will need their key hitters, like Dean Curley and Zane Denton, to step up and provide steady production. Hitting for power while maintaining a high on-base percentage will be essential for Tennessee to compete in the SEC and postseason.

3. Leadership and Mental Toughness
Given the disappointment of the previous season, Tennessee will need to show mental toughness in 2025. Whether it’s overcoming adversity in the SEC or performing in the postseason, the leadership from players like Curley, Burns, and Denton will be vital for the team’s success.