Tennessee legacy athlete enters NCAA transfer portal

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In a surprising development that has stirred conversation across the college baseball landscape, Tennessee Volunteers right-handed pitcher Stratton Scott has officially entered the NCAA transfer portal, signaling a possible departure from Knoxville and leaving a void in a pitching staff that has become one of the premier rotations in the SEC.

Scott, a 6-foot-3 sophomore from Brentwood, Tennessee, emerged during the 2025 season as a promising young arm for head coach Tony Vitello. While not yet a weekend starter, Scott made notable contributions in midweek games and high-leverage relief appearances, flashing a fastball in the low-90s and a sharp breaking ball that helped him notch 42 strikeouts in 31.1 innings pitched. His ERA of 3.17 and WHIP of 1.11 spoke to both his efficiency and potential to grow into a larger role — either as a starter or a key bullpen weapon.

News of his decision to enter the portal came quietly, with no public announcement initially made by the player. However, sources close to the program confirmed Monday morning that Scott had informed the Tennessee coaching staff of his intention and was listed in the NCAA’s transfer database by midday. While the move does not guarantee that he will transfer, it opens the door for programs across the country to contact and recruit him — and given his upside, many are expected to do just that.

For Tennessee, the timing is challenging. The Vols are coming off another strong postseason run under Vitello, having reached the Super Regionals for the third time in four seasons and continuing to establish themselves as one of college baseball’s premier programs. The pitching staff, a hallmark of that success, has been built on both high-end talent and a deep bullpen. Scott was seen by many as a key part of the next wave.

“This one stings,” said a person familiar with the program. “Stratton was developing into a guy who could start on Saturdays or even close. He’s got that quiet edge, and he bought into the program. We were excited about his future here.”

It’s unclear what prompted Scott’s decision, but multiple factors could be at play. Sources indicate that the pitcher was seeking a clearer pathway to a starting role and more consistent usage — something that became difficult in a Tennessee rotation stacked with experienced arms and top-level recruits. Despite his talent, Scott faced stiff competition from upperclassmen and incoming prospects, making it difficult to carve out a permanent role.

Additionally, Scott’s name has been linked to several mid-major programs where he could immediately slot into a weekend starter role. Schools in the AAC, Big 12, and ACC have reportedly already made initial contact. One coach described Scott as “a plug-and-play Friday guy with two years of eligibility and pro upside.” That upside has not gone unnoticed. MLB scouts have taken interest in his strikeout-to-walk ratio and late-season command improvements.

A former standout at Brentwood High School, Scott was ranked among the top 25 pitchers in the state in his recruiting class and chose Tennessee over offers from Vanderbilt, Ole Miss, and Louisville. His commitment to the in-state flagship was seen as a win for Vitello’s staff, which has made a point of locking down elite local talent. After redshirting in 2023, he used 2024 to refine his mechanics and build strength. By 2025, he was making meaningful appearances — including three outings during SEC play in which he struck out multiple hitters without allowing a run.

“Stratton’s stuff started to really play this year,” said one SEC assistant coach. “You could see it in the tempo of his delivery, the shape on his breaking ball. He’s not just a developmental guy anymore — he’s someone who can win you games.”

Scott has not yet spoken publicly about his decision, and his social media accounts remain quiet. Those close to him describe him as focused, humble, and driven — a player who wants the ball in big moments but isn’t one for the spotlight. His departure, if finalized, would be a loss not only of talent but also of character in Tennessee’s clubhouse.

Coach Tony Vitello, known for building a culture of accountability and opportunity, has yet to issue a formal statement. But his track record with the transfer portal is well-documented. Tennessee has both lost and gained major contributors in recent years through the portal, and Vitello has never shied away from adapting. Still, the loss of a homegrown arm with untapped potential will require careful roster rebalancing.

From a roster management standpoint, Scott’s departure reopens a scholarship spot and innings that will need to be redistributed. Tennessee has already secured commitments from two highly rated high school pitchers in the 2025 class and has reportedly been active in the transfer market themselves, hosting multiple JUCO and portal arms for visits this month. Whether they can find a replacement with Scott’s blend of size, command, and ceiling remains to be seen.

Meanwhile, other SEC programs are undoubtedly watching the situation closely. While conference intra-transfer restrictions vary, recent rule changes have made it easier for players to move within the league. Should Scott choose to stay in the SEC, he would likely need a waiver or face a potential sit-out year, depending on his academic standing and destination. However, most insiders believe he’s more likely to join a program outside the SEC to ensure immediate eligibility and maximize his development heading into the 2026 MLB Draft.

For now, the future of Stratton Scott remains uncertain — but his name has quickly become one of the more intriguing in the college baseball transfer portal. He represents the evolving reality of the sport: talented players seeking fit and opportunity, programs balancing retention and recruitment, and the constant reshaping of rosters in an increasingly fast-moving and competitive environment.

Tennessee fans, meanwhile, are left to hope that Scott’s name may still be called from within Lindsey Nelson Stadium come next spring. Until then, his departure stands as a reminder that even in elite programs, nothing is guaranteed — and every decision has a ripple effect.