Tennessee’s 2025 season total projection gives the Vols hope.

The Tennessee Volunteers enter the 2025 season with high expectations following their historic 2024 College World Series championship. With a program that has seen steady improvement over the years under head coach Tony Vitello, the Vols are primed for another deep run in the postseason. The combination of an experienced roster, elite recruiting classes, and the confidence from their recent title victory has raised hopes for a repeat performance. The Vols’ 2025 season total projections indicate a promising future, both in the regular season and throughout the postseason, and give fans plenty of reasons to believe this team can go all the way once again.

This season’s projections for Tennessee suggest a balanced mix of power, pitching, and experience—three things that have become synonymous with the program under Vitello’s leadership. From players stepping into more prominent roles to new faces in the lineup and on the mound, Tennessee is poised to continue its championship aspirations. In this breakdown, we will explore the Vols’ key projections for the season, from offensive firepower and pitching depth to how their total outlook stacks up against other elite programs in college baseball.

Overall Season Projection: A Championship-Caliber Team

According to various preseason projections, Tennessee is once again seen as one of the top teams in college baseball, with many experts predicting the Vols to finish at the top of the SEC and claim a high seed in the NCAA Tournament. The Vols are consistently ranked within the Top 5 nationally, which speaks to the strength of their roster, coaching staff, and the momentum from their title run.

Tennessee enters the 2025 season with an impressive combination of returning talent and new recruits. From their dynamic offense to their lockdown pitching staff, the Vols are ready to repeat their success from last season and potentially defend their national title. While the Vols face stiff competition from programs like LSU, Florida, and Vanderbilt in the SEC, their overall season projection gives fans plenty of hope and excitement for what lies ahead.

Offensive Power: A Lineup That Can Hit for Average and Power

Tennessee’s offensive projections for 2025 are promising, with the Vols expected to have one of the most potent lineups in college baseball. The team’s success will be driven by a group of elite hitters who can produce both in terms of power and on-base percentage. Coach Vitello’s emphasis on a balanced, high-octane offense has paid off, and the Vols’ hitters have shown their ability to execute in all phases of the game.

Key Players in the Lineup

Blake Burke: As Tennessee’s biggest power threat, Burke is expected to continue his dominance in the heart of the order. Coming off a monster sophomore season where he displayed raw power with several home runs and RBIs, Burke has been projected to be one of the best power hitters in college baseball in 2025. His ability to hit for power and get on base will be critical for the Vols’ offense as they look to put pressure on opposing pitchers.

Santiago Vescovi: The senior leader of this Tennessee team, Vescovi returns as one of the most well-rounded hitters in the SEC. His bat-to-ball skills, along with his ability to hit for average and drive in key runs, will continue to make him a central figure in the lineup. Vescovi’s leadership and experience are irreplaceable for a Tennessee team looking to defend its title. His speed and ability to get on base through walks will also set the table for players like Burke and others in the middle of the lineup.

Trey Lipscomb and Jorel Ortega: Lipscomb and Ortega, who form a dynamic duo in the middle infield, are both expected to be important contributors in the Vols’ offensive attack. Lipscomb’s ability to hit for power, especially with runners on base, and Ortega’s consistency at the plate will provide Tennessee with balance in the middle of the order. Both players have the capability of hitting extra-base hits and will need to continue to play at a high level for the Vols to repeat as champions.

Christian Moore and Jordan Beck: These underclassmen have the potential to be major contributors in 2025. Moore is a talented hitter with the ability to get on base and show off some power in key moments. Beck, a strong outfielder, is expected to continue his development as one of the team’s top hitters. Their emergence in the lineup will add depth and ensure Tennessee has multiple threats from top to bottom.

Projected Offensive Stats for 2025

• Team Batting Average: .300+
• Home Runs: 80-100 (Tennessee’s offense has become known for its power, and this number could increase with the likes of Burke and Lipscomb in the middle of the order.)
• On-Base Percentage: .400+ (Vescovi’s patient approach at the plate will help set a strong OBP for the team, while others like Moore and Beck will need to continue improving their discipline at the plate.)
• Runs Scored: 500+ (Tennessee’s offense is expected to produce a high volume of runs, driven by consistent hitting and power throughout the lineup.)

If these projections hold true, Tennessee’s offense will once again be one of the most dangerous in college baseball, capable of overwhelming opponents with a relentless attack from top to bottom.

Pitching: Dominating Arms That Will Lead the Vols to Another Deep Run

Tennessee’s pitching staff was one of the biggest reasons for their success in 2024, and the 2025 Vols are poised to have a similarly dominant rotation and bullpen. With Chase Dollander leading the charge, the Vols’ pitching staff is projected to be one of the best in the country, featuring power arms, experienced veterans, and a strong bullpen to close out games.

Ace: Chase Dollander

Dollander, a potential top MLB draft pick, has emerged as one of the best pitchers in college baseball. The hard-throwing right-hander is projected to continue his dominance in 2025, with scouts already raving about his mix of a high-velocity fastball and plus breaking ball. Dollander’s command of his pitches and ability to perform under pressure make him one of the most important players in the entire college baseball landscape.

Tennessee’s pitching staff relies heavily on Dollander’s ability to anchor the rotation, and projections suggest he could be one of the nation’s most dominant pitchers again this season. In 2025, Dollander is expected to be a consistent workhorse, regularly going deep into games while keeping opposing offenses in check. His performance will be key to Tennessee’s success in both regular-season SEC play and postseason competition.

Supporting Rotation: Seth Halvorsen and Chase Burns

Seth Halvorsen and Chase Burns will complement Dollander at the front end of the rotation, and both players have been projected to have outstanding seasons. Halvorsen, a hard-throwing right-hander, has the stuff to be an ace on any team, and he’s expected to continue his development as one of Tennessee’s most reliable pitchers. Meanwhile, Chase Burns brings electric stuff, particularly a fastball that can reach the high 90s, and his ability to get strikeouts will be crucial for the Vols.

Both pitchers have the potential to keep Tennessee’s rotation strong, especially in SEC play, where every game is critical. Halvorsen and Burns are capable of taking pressure off Dollander, giving Tennessee a deep and dangerous rotation that can compete with anyone in the country.

Bullpen: Ben Joyce and Others

Tennessee’s bullpen in 2025 is loaded with talent, highlighted by Ben Joyce, a flamethrowing reliever who can reach triple digits with his fastball. Joyce is expected to be the team’s closer and should provide a reliable option at the back end of games. Along with Joyce, Tennessee will rely on a stable of other arms—players like Zach Linginfelter, Maui Ahuna, and Jayson Galloway—to finish out games and maintain the team’s pitching depth.

Projections suggest Tennessee’s bullpen will be a key strength once again in 2025. The combination of velocity, control, and depth in the bullpen will ensure Tennessee is equipped to handle any game situation, whether in a tight contest or a blowout.

Projected Pitching Stats for 2025

• Team ERA: 3.50 or better (Tennessee’s pitching staff has consistently ranked among the nation’s best in recent years, and projections indicate they will continue this trend in 2025.)
• Strikeouts: 600+ (With pitchers like Dollander, Burns, and Joyce, Tennessee will generate plenty of strikeouts and keep opposing offenses on their heels.)
• Saves: 20-25 (Joyce is expected to be a big factor in late-inning situations, but Tennessee’s bullpen depth will allow for a few other players to close out games as well.)
• Walks: 150 or fewer (Control has been a key focus for Vitello’s pitchers, and a strong emphasis on limiting walks will help keep opponents off the base paths.)

With this kind of pitching performance, Tennessee should be well-positioned to compete against any team in the country, and their dominance on the mound will be a major factor in their postseason success

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Looking Ahead: Defending the Title and Beyond

As the 2025 season progresses, Tennessee will undoubtedly face challenges, especially in SEC play. The conference is as competitive as ever, with teams like LSU, Florida, Vanderbilt, and Arkansas all gunning for a shot at the College World Series. However, Tennessee’s overall season total projection gives fans hope that this team has the depth, experience, and talent needed to defend its national title and make another deep run into the postseason.

With a strong mix of veterans and emerging stars, Tennessee is well-equipped to take on the best in college baseball. The projections suggest a high-powered offense, led by Blake Burke and Santiago Vescovi, paired with a dominant pitching staff that features Chase Dollander and Ben Joyce. The Vols are projected to be a top contender for the national title in 2025, and if the projections hold true, they will be one of the most dangerous teams in the country.

As the Vols aim to build on their success from 2024, the hope for a repeat championship will remain high—especially with the strong projections surrounding their season. If Tennessee can stay healthy, continue to execute on both sides of the ball, and stay focused on their goal of another College World Series title, the 2025 season could very well be another unforgettable chapter in the Tennessee Volunteers baseball legacy.